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(2) 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1841, by 
JOHN FROST, 

in the clerk's office of the district court of the United States, in 
and for the eastern district of Pennsylvania. 



/ 



J. FAGAN, STEREOTYPER. 
JAMES CRISSY, PRINTER. . *\ 



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PREFACE. 



"There is," says a living writer of great 
ability, " no portion of profane history more 
pregnant with important instruction, than that 
which relates to the rise, the growth, the fluc- 
tuations, and the fall of Rome. It equally 
demands the studious attention of the scholar, 
the statesman, the philosopher, and the Chris- 
tian." He might have added, that its lessons 
were equally intelligible and useful to old and 
young. Convinced of this truth, I have endea- 
voured in the following pages to place the most 
remarkable and celebrated events and charac- 
ters of the Roman history in a striking point 
of view ; and to elicit such moral instruction 
from the narrative, as might suit the wants 
and capacities of juvenile readers. For their 
especial benefit, this volume, as well as the 
true stories from the several histories of 
Greece, England, and Spain, which have pre- 
ceded it, was especially intended. That they 
may be found useful and acceptable, is the 
writer's most fervent wish. 

(5) 



# 



i 



mk 



CONTENTS. 



The Foundation of Rome Page 9 

The Sabines 12 

Combat between the Horatii and Curiatii 17 

Tarquinius Superbus, the last King of Rome 21 

Coriolanus 23 

Cincinnatus 33 

Dentatus 37 

Virginia 40 

The Invasion of the Gauls 47 

First Punic War. — Regulus 51 

War of Hannibal 54 

Third Punic War. — Destruction of Carthage 61 

Marius. — Civil War 67 

Sylla. — Massacre at Rome 73 

Catiline's Conspiracy 77 

Julius Caesar. — Invasion of Britain 80 

Crossing of the Rubicon 84 

Death of Pompey 88 

Cato destroys himself 93 

Establishment of the Roman Empire 96 

Death of Brutus 103 

Antony and Cleopatra 106 

The Sea-Fight near Actium 112 

Augustus 121 

Tiberius — Caligula — Claudius 125 

Nero. — The Burning of Rome 132 

Vespasian — Titus — Domitian 136 

The Five Good Emperors, Nerva, Trajan, Adrian, An- 
toninus, and Aurelius 138 

Decline and Fall of the Empire 141 

(7) 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Cleopatra sailing down the Cydnus Frontispiece. 

The victorious Horatius slaying his Sister Page 1 6 

Vignette — Mourners 20 

Tent 22 

Coriolanus banished 25 

Vase 28 

Coriolanus and his Mother 29 

Cincinnatus informed of his appointment ■ 32 

Death of Dentatus 36 

Death of Virginia 41 

Manlius repelling the Gauls from the Capitol 46 

Vignette— Mother and Child 50 

Vignette — Charity 53 

Varro receiving the thanks of the Senate 56 

Vignette — Eagle 58 

Death of Hannibal 59 

Marius sitting among the Ruins of Carthage 66 

Vignette — Wolves and Sheep 70 

Sylla's Superstition 72 

Massacre 74 

Curius disclosing Catiline's Conspiracy 76 

After the Battle 79 

Caesar's Invasion of Britain 81 

Vignette 83 

Caesar embarking in a Fishing-Boat 86 

Death of Pompey 90 

Vignette 95 

Brutus and Cassius 97 

Vignette 100 

Death of Caesar 101 

Vignette 105 

Antony and Cleopatra in Egypt 107 

The Triumvirate proposing the Conscription Ill 

Sea-Fight near Actium 113 

Death of Eros 116 

Death of Cleopatra 119 

Vignette 131 

Vignette 139 

Fall of Constantinople 144 

m 



mm 



ROMAN STORIES. 




THE FOUNDATION OF ROME. 

B. C. 753. 

|HERE are many different accounts 
of the events attending the founda- 
tion of Rome, the city which was 
once to be " mistress of the world." 
But such statements as appear most 
probable are here selected to make 
up a story, which, while it pleases, shall also convey 
instruction. The Romans generally believed that 
they were descended from iEneas and his followers, 
who, after the sacking of Troy by the Greeks, in the 
year B. C. 1184, fled from thence in ships, and ended 
their voyage in Latium. Here Latinus w r as king, and 
when he saw that iEneas was peaceably disposed, 
and only wished a place of refuge, he admitted him 
into his favour, and gave him his daughter Lavinia 
in marriage. He engaged in the affairs of his father- 
in-law, who was much pleased with him and his 
followers. When Latinus died, JEneas ascended 
the throne, and was, after his death, succeeded by 
his descendants, down to the time of Numitor, who 
w r as dethroned by his brother Amulius. Amu- 
lius murdered his son, and his daughter was com- 

(9) 



10 ROMAN STORIES. 

pelled to become a vestal, so that she might have no 
children to revenge themselves on the tyrant. But 
his measures were vain ; for Rhea Silvia, the vestal, 
had twin sons, who were thrown into the river Tiber, 
and she was condemned to be buried alive. 

The place where the children were thrown being 
shallow, they soon grounded, and, the waters retiring, 
were, according to the account, suckled by a she-wolf, 
until Faustulus, the king's shepherd, struck with the 
strange sight, took them up and treated them as his 
own children. They increased in strength, and be- 
came shepherds. But not liking this occupation they 
went to the chase, and there obtained a superiority 
over their fellows by the exhibition of a little daring 
and valour. They seemed born to command, and 
discovered abilities above the meanness of their sup- 
posed origin. The companions of Romulus and Remus 
(the two twins), increased in numbers daily, and were 
strong enough to attack the robbers who infested that 
neighbourhood. Some persons who envied Remus, 
resolved to rid themselves of his rivalship, by taking 
him before Numitor, who dared do nothing till the 
sanction of his brother was received. Compassion 
made Numitor defer the sentence. He asked Remus 
concerning his birth. The young man replied that he 
was ignorant of the place of his nativity, but only 
knew that Faustulus had said that Romulus and he 
were twins, and were found exposed on the brink of 
the river. Numitor immediately perceived in Remus 
and his brother, the twins exposed by Amulius. 

Meantime, Faustulus disclosed to Romulus his noble 
birth, and immediately nothing was thought of but 
the destruction of the tyrant. He was beset on all 



FOUNDATION OF ROME. 1 1 

sides ; Romulus marched through the avenues of the 
palace, and restored his grandfather to the throne. 

Not long after, Romulus and Remus formed a settle- 
ment. A fatal desire of reigning seized them both. 
Numitor advised them to let the decision of their 
quarrels rest with the gods. Accordingly, each sta- 
tioned himself on a hill, and waited for the appear- 
ance of vultures, which was then the foolish method 
used for finding the will of the gods. Romulus sent 
to Remus a message, saying that he had seen some of 
these birds. Just then, Remus saw six, and, running 
to Romulus to discover the truth of what he had 
heard, he found that he was deceived. But Romulus 
at that instant saw twelve vultures. Remus said he 
was victorious, because the birds first appeared to 
him ; and Romulus insisted that as he had seen the 
greatest number he was conqueror. From the dispute 
they came to blows, and Remus was slain by his 
brother; who, being provoked at his leaping con- 
temptuously over the walls, struck him dead at his 
feet. 

Romulus was, therefore, the sole commander of the 
city. Soon after he was elected their king : and thus 
w r e see that, in the infancy of society, men were 
chosen as rulers, who had distinguished themselves in 
the service and protection of their country. He 
established a senate of one hundred men, and divided 
the people into Patricians and Plebeians. At first the 
city was nearly square, built of mud, and governed 
the country only for eight miles round ; yet this city 
was one day to give laws to all the w r orld. 



THE SABINES. 




B. C. 750. 

T is a curious fact in the Roman his- 
tory, that, for some time after the 
founding of Rome, the citizens were 
almost destitute of homes. Romulus, 
to remedy this, sent to the Sabines a 
proposition of a matrimonial alliance 
]J with them. The Sabines not only re- 
fused, but added insult to the refusal. They advised 
the Romans to take vagrant women for wives, and 
then they would be well matched ; " a pack of vaga- 
bond and loose women," said they, " will make the 
fittest wives for a crew of fugitives, loaded with crimes 
or debts." Upon this refusal, Romulus resolved to 
obtain by force what he could not effect by fair and 
honourable means. He therefore proclaimed a feast 
in honour of Neptune, at which games, shows, and feasts, 
were to take place, and invited all strangers to come 
and witness the spectacle, and partake of the festivities. 
The Sabines were foremost in complying with his re- 
quest, and nearly all of them went to Rome. While they 
were looking attentively upon the spectacle, the youth, 
upon a signal from Romulus, rushed upon them with 
drawn swords, snatched the daughters from their 
parents, and carried them away, each choosing the 
one he liked best. The parents were in great conster- 
nation, and left the city, vowing vengeance against 
the perfidious Romans, who had, indeed, committed a 
breach of hospitality, for which no necessity could 
justify them. The women were all married to the 

(12) 



THE SABINES. 13 

Romans, and from their kind treatment soon became 
fond of their husbands, and forgot their parents and 
relations. Notwithstanding, many cities of the Sa- 
bines took the field against Rome, but were all soon 
subdued. Tatius, king of Cures, was the most formi- 
dable: he encamped at the foot of the hill Saturnius, 
and would not have succeeded in his attempt, had it 
not been for the perfidy of a Roman lady, who pro- 
mised to admit them into the citadel, if all that the 
soldiers wore on their left arms were given to her as a 
reward. She meant the bracelets. They obtained 
an entrance into the citadel, and the soldiers crushed 
Tarpeia to death by their bucklers, which they threw 
upon her, thus fulfilling their promises, giving what 
they wore on their left arms. From this circumstance 
the steepest part of the hill was called the Tarpeian 
Rock, down which criminals were precipitated. 

At length both armies came to a general engage- 
ment. The slaughter was prodigious, and little advan- 
tage was gained by either party. Each now prepared 
for another engagement, resolved to conquer or die. 
Before the battle commenced, the women, who were 
the innocent cause of so much bloodshed, rushed in 
between the combatants, in garments of mourning, 
with hair dishevelled, and Hersilia, in the name of 
the women, addressed their fathers and husbands thus : 

" If it be for love of us that you are warring with 
each other, the same love should now induce you to 
end the strife. We are engaged, by the strictest ties 
of affection, to those whom we at first hated : we are 
full of anxiety for them while they are fighting, and 
we lament their deaths when they fall in battle. You 
come not to vindicate the honour of virgins, but to 



14 ROMAN STORIES. 

tear away wives from their husbands, and mothers 
from their children ; this is not to rescue us, it is to 
make us a second time captives." They all prayed 
that peace might be restored between relatives so 
near and dear. Their prayers were granted, and the 
Sabines consented to forgive the Romans ; from that 
time the Sabines and Romans became friends ; peace 
and confidence were restored, and they lived in 
mutual love and harmony for many years. 

Successes like these made Romulus very proud of 
himself, and he became tyrannical over the people 
who were under his government. The senate, deter- 
mined to uphold the rights of the people, but unwill- 
ing to give offence to the friends of Romulus, murdered 
him, and privately removed his body. It was given 
out that he had been translated to Heaven for his 
piety, and the Romans afterwards regarded him as a 
god. They were willing to worship him when dead, 
but not to obey him while in existence. 

Numa Pompilius succeeded him. He was chosen 
from among the Sabines, and at first refused the 
office, but finally accepted it. Never was a king 
better calculated to rule such a kingdom. He 
strengthened the government by joining their religion 
with it, and reigned forty-three years in profound 
peace. 




(16) 




COMBAT BETWEEN THE HORATII 
AND CURIATII. 

B. C. 667. 

VERY opportunity of extending their" 
dominion was eagerly seized by the 
Romans. Tullus Hostilius, the third 
king, was one who delighted in war 
and strife, and in this he resembled his 
subjects, who were all fond of military 
achievements. He only sought a pre- 
text for leading them to battle. Some peasants of 
the nation of Alba had plundered his subjects, and 
Tullus Hostilius immediately sent ambassadors to 
demand restitution of the stolen goods. But the 
Romans had likewise robbed them, and the Albans, as 
he expected, refused. War was therefore declared 
between the two nations. 

Both armies at length took the field; the Albans 
encamped within five miles of Rome. No sooner 
were the armies in sight of each other, than their 
ardour for fighting cooled, and the Alban general was 
found dead in his camp, without any sign of violence. 
Mitius was chosen in his stead. The generals of each 
army came to a parley, and agreed that one of the 
cities should rule the other ; but this started another 
difficulty ; which city should have the preference; 
Tullus proposed to decide this by single combat with 
2 < 17 ) 



18 ROMAN STORIES. 

Mitius; but the latter refused, and agreed that three 
champions should be chosen out of each camp, and 
that nation, whose champions were victorious, was to 
rule the other. 

An illustrious Roman had two daughters; one he 
gave in marriage to a Roman, and the other to an 
Alban. Each daughter had three sons at a birth. 
The Romans were called the Horatii, and the Albans 
the Curiatii ; all six were remarkable for their strength 
and dexterity in fighting, and to their swords was left 
the decision of the question. 

The armies were placed in due order; the bro- 
thers took their arms ; their hearts, no doubt, beating 
high with the hope of victory, and happy in the assu- 
rance that, at all events, their prowess would save 
the lives of hundreds of their fellow-creatures. 

Boldly these gallant young heroes stood before 
their own armies, and heard the prayers of their 
fellow-soldiers for their success. 

The signal was given. The youths moved forward 
to the encounter. Presently they were engaged hand 
to hand, and in the desperate conflict felt not the 
wounds they received, although the spectators, with 
aching hearts, saw them soon covered with blood. 
But the glorious spirit of patriotism prevented the 
heroes from feeling pain ; they were insensible to 
everything but honour. 

The three Albans were desperately wounded, and 
loud shouts ran along the line of the Roman army. 
In a few seconds two of the Romans fell and expired. 
The acclamations were now heard among the Albans; 
such is the fate of war. 

The surviving Roman saw that all depended upon 



THE HORATII AND CURIATH. 19 

him; it was an awful moment, but he did not des- 
pair ; he manfully roused his spirits to meet the exi- 
gency of the hour. He saw that force would not 
avail, for three to one were fearful odds ; but he had 
presence of mind enough to think upon what was best 
to be done. How valuable is presence of mind ! 

Horatius drew back, as if fleeing from his foes 
I suppose you w 7 ill cry out, as the Roman army did, 
"Shame! Shame !" But Horatius was too brave to 
trouble himself about what was said ; he was only 
thinking of what was to be done. 

The Curiatii pursued the retreating hero, and, as 
Horatius expected, one came up before the others : 
this was what he wanted. When the Roman hero 
found one of the Albans near him, he turned about, 
and, exerting all his skill and bravery, soon laid him 
dead at his [eet By this time another of the brothers 
had arrived ; him, too, Horatius quickly despatched. 
Only one remained on each side; the hisses of the 
Romans were turned into cheerings. But what was 
their joy when they saw the last of the Curiatii 
stretched upon the ground ! Can you not imagine the 
joy of the victor when he returned triumphant to his 
friends ? 

What followed, it is painful to relate. When 
Horatius reached Rome, he saw his sister bitterly 
lamenting the death of the Curiatii, one of whom she 
was engaged to marry ; and, in the dreadful moment 
of ungoverned rage, he stabbed her to the heart. 
Alas! to what crimes does not passion lead! Horatius 
was condemned to die. His aged father implored the 
judges to show some mercy to his son ; that son, whose 
valour had lately obtained for Rome the dominion 



20 



ROMAN STORIES. 



of a new state, whose valour had saved the lives 
of many Romans, that son, whom he himself would 
have punished, had he overlooked the conduct of his 
weak complaining sister. The people could not with- 
stand the tears of the old father. The life of Hora- 
tius was spared. But, no doubt, he deeply lamented 
that his rash anger had made him tarnish the honours 
he had so dearly purchased ! 





TARQUINIUS SUPERBUS, 

THE LAST KING OF ROME. 
B. C. 509. 

ROM Tullus Hostilius we pass over the 
lives of Ancus Martius, Tarquinius 
Priscus, Servius Tullius, and proceed 
to Tarquinius Superbus, who by his 
profligacy forced the people to alter 
the government. Tullia, the daughter 
of the late king, upon hearing of the 
usurper's success, rode over the man- 
gled and bloody corpse of her own father ; the wheels 
of the chariot, and even the clothes of the inhuman 
daughter, were stained with his blood. She was the 
present king's wife. 

He made his children as wicked as himself, by 
teaching them all the crimes to which he was accus- 
tomed. He sent one of his sons to Gabii, to make the 
people believe that he was ill-treated, and that he 
sought refuge there. The son was kindly treated, 
and, after obtaining their confidence, was chosen 
general against the Romans. He had previously sup- 
posed this, and had schemed with his father, that, as 
soon as he should lead the Gabian army to battle, he 
would turn the victory in favour of the Romans. 
Such were his father's instructions ! 

On another occasion, while the Roman army had 

(21) 



22 ROMAN STORIES. 

invested Ardea, some of the officers were drinking 
and boasting of their excellent wives. Collatinus, the 
husband of Lucretia, offered to decide the dispute by 
an immediate trial* They rode to Rome, and found 
them engaged in amusement, till they came to Lu- 
cretia, whom they discovered sitting among her maids 
busily engaged in spinning wool. 

Sextus, the son of Tarquin, was so charmed with 
her conduct, that he was seized with a violent passion. 
He offered the grossest insult and injury to the vir- 
tuous Lucretia, who resolved to destroy herself, and 
not survive her dishonour. She called her husband 
and her father, and after relating to them the affair, 
instantly plunged a poinard into her bosom, and died 
without a groan. Brutus seized the dagger, still reek- 
ing with her blood, and lifting it up towards heaven, 
" Be witness, ye gods," he cried, " that from this 
moment I profess myself the enemy of Tarquin, and 
the avenger of the chaste Lucretia's cause; from 
henceforth, this life, while life continues, shall be em- 
ployed in opposition to tyranny, and for the happiness 
and freedom of my much loved country." 

Lucretia's body was exposed in the forum. The 
minds of the people were inflamed by the horrid dis- 
play. Tarquin and his family were banished, and 
with this ended the regal form of government, after a 
continuance of two hundred and forty-five years. B. 
C. 509. 





CORIOLANUS. 

B. C. 490. 

|PON the fall of Tarquin, the Proud, the 
magistrates, called consuls, were ap- 
pointed to govern Rome, and to this 
office, Collatinus, Lucretia's husband, 
and Junius Brutus, her avenger, were 
elected. Notwithstanding Tarquin's 
banishment, the tyrant still sought to 
regain his power. The sons of Brutus and many 
others joined in the conspiracy. They were discover- 
ed, and Brutus was placed in a most trying situation. 
He was one of his sons' judges. He demanded of 
them whether they could answer the charge, and, 
receiving no answer, he turned to the executioner, 
"Now," cried he, "it is your part to perform the 
rest." Brutus was obliged to see the sentence of 
death executed. What must have been the sufferings 
of Brutus to behold his two sons, first bleeding with 
stripes, and then killed before his eyes ! But his sense 
of justice compelled him to give this awful example 
of the punishment due to crime. He dearly loved 
them, but he loved justice and his country still more 
dearly. Although he could not stifle the sentiments of 
nature, yet he performed his duty as a judge. 

Tarquin still attempted to recover his power. After 
many losses on each side, the Romans found the 
authority of the consuls insufficient, and therefore 
created a dictator, who had greater power than a 
king, but wanted that odious name. A part of the 

(23) 



24 ROMAN STORIES. 

people resolving not to live under such a government, 
left the city, and would not return till five " Tribunes 
of the People" were appointed. They had power to 
veto any bill passed in the senate by crying out Veto, 
I forbid, or they could confirm it by signing the letter 
I, which gave it validity. 

The neglect of agriculture during the separation 
created great want. A season of plenty, however, 
soon came. Corn was brought from Sicily. Corio- 
lanus opposed the distribution of this until the removal 
of the grievances of the senate. The tribunes sum- 
moned him before them, and it was decided that the 
people should try his cause. The people, on this 
occasion, voted by tribes, and not by centuries, as was 
formerly done. Coriolanus unfortunately appeared 
guilty of embezzlement at the trial, and the votes 
being instantly collected, he was banished (B. C. 490). 
He was conducted to the gates of the city by a large 
crowd of senators and people, who regretted his 
departure. He alone displayed great firmness on the 
occasion ; he said not one word on the way, and parted 
from them in the same reproachful silence. 

Coriolanus privately retired to Actium, one of the 
principal cities of the Volsci, the enemies of Rome ; 
presented himself to Attius Tullus, a general of that 
nation, and was cordially received by him. The Vol- 
scians resolved upon a war ; and Tullus and Coriola- 
nus became their leaders. They besieged and took 
many Roman towns, and came to proud Rome herself. 

Coriolanus had placed himself in a trying situation : 
he must either betray the Volsci, who trusted in him, 
or destioy the city in which he was born. In Rome 
the people wanted the sentence of banishment re- 



CORIOLANUS. 27 

versed, but could not do it. Now the senate deter- 
mined to sue for peace. 

Five senators, who had been his former friends, 
were chosen to conduct this important negotiation. 
The deputies were obliged to pass through two ranks 
of soldiers, bearing arms, and Coriolanus received 
them. He was told that he had carried his resent- 
ment to a sufficient height already, and was invited to 
return into the bosom of his native city, which now, 
as a tender mother, stretched out her arms to receive 
him. Coriolanus replied, " The remorse is for Rome 
herself to feel; let her dread the rage of those 
avenging furies which torment the guilty. As for me, 
the gods have sufficiently shown that they approve of 
my resentments; and victory proclaims aloud whose 
cause it is that they espouse." 

He allowed them thirty days to decide concerning 
the Volscians. Ten other senators, who had all been 
consuls, were now sent, but all in vain. Coriolanus 
said they must either submit, or give the Volscians 
their former possessions, and sent them home with this 
answer. Another deputation was now sent. " As if 
the republic," says Plutarch, " had been beaten by a 
tempest, and was just ready to perish, they (accord- 
ing to the proverb) ' threw out the holy anchor.' " 
They ordered that the priests and all religious persons 
should, in solemn procession, proceed to his camp, and 
conjure him to comply with proposals for terminating 
hostilities. But this was all in vain. 

All was now given up for lost in the city. Nothing 
but lamentation was heard. Distress and affright were 
painted on every countenance. But one resource yet 
remained. Valeria, a lady, proposed that his mother 



28 ROMAN STORIES. 

and wife should be sent to him as a last hope. She 
ran to Veturia, his mother, and* after mentioning their 
resolution, said, " Oh, Veturia, conjure him to grant 
peace to his fellow-citizens; cease not to beg till you 
have obtained ; so good a man can never withstand 
your tears; our only hope is in you. Come, then, 
Veturia ; the danger presses : you have no time for 
deliberation ; the enterprise is worthy of your virtue ; 
the gods will crown it with success; Rome shall once 
more owe her preservation to our sex." 

His mother went, and addressed him in a most 
pathetic manner, and Coriolanus appeared staggered 
in his resolution. Upon this, she redoubled her en- 
treaties, and threw herself prostrate at his feet, crying, 
" If it be resolved to destroy my country, to what 
purpose should I longer endure a wretched life?" All 
followed her example, with the most heart-rending 
appeals and filled the place with their doleful voices. 

They triumphed. The other officers, unable to 
behold the sight, turned away their eyes ; Coriolanus 
cried out, " Ah ! mother, what is it you do ? Rome is 
saved, but your son is lost !" He had judged correctly 
in this respect; for the Volscians were so irritated 
that they assassinated him. B. C. 488. 

The tribunes were created B. C. 493, just before 
his banishment. 





(32) 



CINCINNATUS. 



B. C. 458. 




REAT public rejoicings took place at 
Rome upon the death of Coriolanus; 
but disorder was soon produced by, 
Sp. Cassius, who endeavoured to make 
a law for the equal distribution of 
conquered lands. But this man was 
hurled headlong from the Tarpeian 
Rock for crimes which overbalanced 
the good in his character. Whenever this proposed 
law, called the Agrarian law, was brought before 
the senate, great dissensions and commotions arose ; 
and on one of these occasions, when Rome was in 
danger from a foreign foe, they found it necessary 
to choose a dictator. The Romans had sent ambassa- 
dors to the general of the iEquii, who was encamped 
with his whole army, twelve miles from Rome. The 
general's tent was pitched under an oak tree, and 
when the ambassadors had addressed him, he said, 
" There, deliver your message to that tree ! I have 
other business to mind." They returned to their city, 
and then it was decided that Cincinnatus should be 
created Dictator. 

A deputation was sent to the field in which Cincin- 
natus was engaged. They found him employed in 
digging a ditch, and he, being informed that they had 
a commission from the senate, asked in surprise, 
" What is the business? Is all well?" He then said 

3 (33) 



34 



ROMAN STORIES. 



to his wife, "Racilia, go fetch my gown. Make 
haste !" She brought it from the cottage, and, after 
having wiped off the dust and dirt with which it was 
covered, he put on his robe. The deputies saluted 
him as Dictator, and bade him hasten to the city, 
which was in the greatest peril (B. C. 458). 

His farm being situated on the side of the Tiber 
opposite to Rome, a handsome barge, belonging to the 
city, was ready to carry Cincinnatus over the river. 
His three sons, his other relations and friends, and the 
greatest part of the senate, were ready to receive 
him when he landed at Rome. He was preceded by 
twenty-four lictors, and went in a pompous procession 
to the house prepared for his reception. Watch was 
kept all night round his house for fear he might suffer 
violence. Such was the esteem with which they 
honoured him ! They guarded him without any com- 
mands, but only from their own good-will. How much 
better is such protection than that of a body of hire- 
lings ! 

His first care was to strengthen the city ; and he 
soon obtained a complete victory over his country's 
enemies. But he did not retain his power for a 
longer time than was required to restore peace to 
his country. He only held his station for sixteen days, 
and then retired to his farm, preferring the tranquil- 
lity of the country to the cares and honours of public 
life. He only wished to remain in office while he was 
useful. 





(36) 




DENTATUS. 

B. C. 451. 

J HE Agrarian law was again proposed 
before an assembly of the people, and 
Icilius, after having made a long ha- 
rangue in favour of it, gave notice 
that any plebeian might freely express 
his views upon the subject. Sicicius 
Dentatus addressed them thus: "It 
is now forty years that I have borne arms ; I have 
been in a hundred and twenty engagements, I have 
received forty-five wounds, twelve of them in a single 
action. Fourteen civic crowns I obtained for having 
saved the lives of so many citizens in battle ; three 
mural crowns for having been the first that mounted 
the breach in towns taken by assault, eight other 
crowns for different exploits. — And now, Romans, you 
know my services, and you have heard what have 
been the rewards of them — rewards that sufficiently 
prove my courage, but make little addition to my for- 
tune. No land, no share in conquered countries ! 
The patricians, it seems, by their noble birth, have an 
inherent right to them all. No matter whether they 
have any merit or not. But is this to be endured? 
Shall they alone enjoy the fruits of our conquests ? 
The purchase of our blood? No, plebeians, let us 
delay no longer to do ourselves justice; let us this 
very day pass the law proposed by Icilius." 

During the night the consuls resolved to frustrate 

(37) 



38 ROMAN STORIES. 

the seizure of the tribunes by preventing the people 
from voting. The next day a scene of riot took 
place. The patricians, by main force, separated the 
plebeians. The tribunes exclaimed, " Break through 
the press, hasten to assist the plebeians, and rectify 
the disorder." Vain were their efforts; their own 
sacred persons were not molested; but all of them 
were forced to retire. 

Soon afterwards, the iEquii again invaded their terri- 
tory. Dentatus and eight hundred volunteers pre- 
sented themselves, and marched with the army to the 
attack. Romilius, who commanded, ordered Dentatus 
to undertake a very perilous enterprise, and the vete- 
ran, seeing no probability of success attended the 
undertaking, refused. But, after much altercation on 
both sides, he agreed to go with his eight hundred 
chosen troops to a hill overlooking the enemy, while 
the two armies should be engaged with each other. 
He succeeded. While all were from the camp, he 
hastily entered it in the rear, and took the camp by 
surprise. Confusion and terror spread through the 
ranks of the iEquii, and the Romans were victorious. 
Dentatus wished to have the honour of a triumph 
which he had so well deserved, and therefore hastily 
marched to Rome, and related the inhumanity of 
exposing eight hundred veterans to death, in all like- 
lihood unavoidable. The consuls were refused a 
triumph. 

Appius was chosen a decemvir, and had nine others 
appointed, all of whom were his creatures. They 
resolved to make their authority perpetual, and conti- 
nued for another year in office. They marched against 
the iEquii and the Sabines, but accomplished nothing. 



DENTATUS. 39 

Hereupon, Dentatus publicly announced that this was 
owing to the incapacity of the generals, and thus 
made the decemvirs his enemies. They resolved, if 
possible, to have him murdered. 

The treacherous Appius flattered the old hero, and 
induced him, as legate, to go and join the army. His 
advice was followed by the generals on all occasions ; 
but this was only to conceal their real purpose. 

Once Dentatus advised that the camp might be 
moved into the enemy's country. They apparently 
acquiesced in this measure. Dentatus was appointed 
to mark out a suitable place, and for this purpose, 
one hundred chosen men were to be his guard. But 
these had secret orders to murder the old hero, and 
we shall soon see how they accomplished their per- 
fidious design. They came to a narrow pass, and then 
fell upon Dentatus from behind. Long and bravely 
did he defend himself; he slew numbers of the trai- 
tors, and not one dared now approach him. But this 
day was to be his last. He was beset on all sides. 
The foe stood aloof, and hurled their darts at him, but 
he, as yet, remained unhurt. Seeing no other method 
of obtaining their end, they climbed up to the top of 
a rock, and from thence rolled down huge masses of 
stone, one of which fell upon him, and he died amidst 
numbers whom he had slain. 

The authors of the crime escaped from the suspi- 
cion of the people, and his very murderers were first 
in providing for his funeral. 




VIRGINIA. 

B. C. 449. 

|E come now to the last act of tyranny 
committed by the decemviri, and one 
which caused the abolishment of that 
office, and the restoration of the con- 
sulship. 

Appius one day saw a young Roman 
maiden at a public school, and felt such a violent passion 
for her, that he determined to possess her at all hazards. 
He discovered that she was of plebeian origin, and 
engaged to Icilius. All hope of marrying her being now 
lost, he resolved to obtain her by violence. He in 
vain attempted to bribe her nurse. And now only 
one method remained for him. He employed M. 
Claudius to execute his base purpose; who, taking 
with him a band of ruffians, entered the school where 
Virginia was, and seizing her by the arm would force 
her away as one of his slaves. He was already drag- 
ging her, all in tears, through the forum, when the 
people obliged him to let go his hold. The villain 
now cited her to appear before the decemviri, where 
Appius was designedly sole judge. Virginia's relations 
speedily came to the tribunal. 

Numitorus, her uncle, soon saw the state of the 
case ; but very prudently concealed his suspicions. 
He urged that Virginius, her father, should be allowed 
time to come to the trial. The whole assembly 

(40) 



VIRGINIA. 



13 



appeared satisfied of the justice of allowing her to be 
given over to her friends, but Appius wished to assign 
the poor trembling maiden to the care of Claudius. 
You may easily conceive the terrible anxiety under 
which she laboured while hearing that she was a 
slave, and had been stolen from Claudius by Virginius ! 
Horrible indeed must have been her condition when 
the cruel and relentless Appius ordered her to be 
delivered to Claudius ! k 

All of a sudden, Icilius, her lover, ran into the 
assembly, loudly demanding " who he was that durst 
lay hands upon a free woman, and what were his pre- 
tensions.^ Nothing could stop him, and he, taking 
the trembling Virginia in his arms, cried, " No, 
Appius, nothing but death shall separate me from her. 
If thou wouldst have thy vile artifice concealed, thou 
must murder me. Assemble all thy lictors ; bid them 
prepare their rods and axes, but to my last breath I 
will defend her honour. Have you deprived the 
Romans of their tribunes, that you may subject their 
wives and daughters to your lewdness? Go on to 
exercise your rage in slaughtering and scourging the 
Roman citizens, but let modesty and chastity escape 
your tyranny. Virginia is mine, she is promised me, 
and I expect to marry a virgin pure and unspotted. 
I will receive her from no hands but her father's. If 
in his absence any attempt be made to do her violence, 
I will implore the aid of the Roman people for my 
wife; Virginius will demand the assistance of his 
fellow-soldiers for his daughter; and both gods and 
men will be on our side." 

Claudius demanded who would be his security. All 
the people held up their hands, and Icilius, in tears, 



44 ROMAN STORIES. 

exclaimed, " To-morrow, if there be occasion, we will 
make use of your assistance. To-day, I hope, they 
will be satisfied with my security, and that of all 
Virginia's relations." 

Appius now sent orders that Virginius should be 
detained in the camp; but Icilius was beforehand 
with him, for Virginius had already heard of the 
aflair, and the unfortunate father was on his way to 
Rome. The next morning Appius was surprised by 
the appearance of Virginius in the forum. The 
father's tale was soon told, but to no purpose. She 
was ordered to go to Claudius. Think of the despair 
of the poor girl, of the agony of her lover, of the 
distraction of the father ! The guards approached ; 
Virginius obtained permission to give her his parting 
embrace. Favoured by this permission, he insensibly 
led her towards a butcher's stall, and, snatching from 
it a large knife, exclaimed, " My dear daughter, by 
this means only can I purchase thy honour and free- 
dom!" As he said this, he suddenly plunged the 
weapon into her heart, and then holding it up, all 
reeking with her blood, exclaimed, " By this innocent 
blood, Appius, I devote thy head to the infernal gods !" 

All was now horror and confusion. The fury of 
the people was aroused. Virginius flew to the camp 
w T ith the bloody knife ; and instantly the army was in 
an uproar. A revolution followed; the indignant 
citizens deposed the decemviri, and Appius paid the 
forfeit of his life for his crimes. 

The senate restored the consuls, and the common- 
wealth once more enjoyed tranquillity (B. C. 449.) 



# 




^rw 



(46) 




THE INVASION OF THE GAULS. 

B. C. 385. 

RANCE was anciently called Gallia, 
and was inhabited by a barbarous 
people, rough in their manners, rude 
in dress, fierce, brave, and hardy. 
These were so charmed with the 
Roman territory, on the other side of 
the Alps, that they gradually en- 
croached upon it, and at last took 
possession by force of arms. Under Brennus as a 
leader they marched to Clusium, and laid siege to 
that town. The terrified inhabitants sent to Rome, 
and obtained a temporary relief. Three ambassadors 
went to the place, and one of them having violated the 
law of nations, the Gauls proceeded on their way 
towards Rome. No satisfaction would be given to 
them by the haughty Romans, although the demand 
was by no means unreasonable. Both parties now com- 
menced hostile operations ; the Romans sent six inex- 
perienced generals to oppose Brennus, and the two 
armies met, eleven miles from Rome, at the junction 
of the Allia with the Tiber. 

The Roman army was soon defeated by these bold 
barbarians, who were so numerous as almost to sur- 
round them. It appears that they lost all confidence 
in themselves. Entire, unattacked, and without strik- 

(47) 



48 ROMAN STORIES. 

ing a blow, they turned their backs and fled ; not one 
soldier fell in battle, but many in the rout. They fled 
for refuge to the citadel at once, even without secur- 
ing the city gates. The young and brave shut them- 
selves up in the Capitol, resolved to hold out to the 
last extremity. The old and infirm awaited their 
fate in the senate-house. 

The Gauls quietly entered Rome. Moving on, they 
with amazement beheld the place unpeopled as a 
desert, and saw no show of resistance but in the cita- 
del. One of the Gauls approached an old hero to 
take hold of his beard, but the latter indignantly laid 
the Gaul at his feet. He was instantly killed. Mas- 
sacre and rapine followed, and all the defenceless 
were cruelly slain. The enemy then plundered the 
city and set many of the houses on fire. 

Soon the whole city was a mass of ruins. All was 
levelled with the ground. Brennus encamped among 
the ruins, and invested the citadel. On one occasion, 
the men in the citadel easily repulsed a body of Gauls 
who attempted to scale the hill on which it stood. 
The Gauls found it impossible to take the place by 
assault. 

Meanwhile, Camillus lived at Ardea, an exile from 
the city for which he had obtained so many victories. 
One part of the Gauls remained at the siege, while 
the remainder made incursions into the neighbourhood 
for provisions. These were very careless, and, relying 
too much on the terror of their arms, were deceived 
by their own imagined security. Camillus hastily col- 
lected a number of men, and defeated the Gauls, who 
were on the excursion. Camillus now appeared the 
last resource of Rome. " He is no longer an exile/* 



INVASION OF GAUL. 49 

said they, "Rome is no more; we have now no 
country." 

Camillus wished to obtain the consent of the senate 
in the Capitol, and for this purpose a young man, 
named Pontius Cominus, undertook to convey the news 
to the place. He provided himself with a light dress 
and a cork, and threw himself into the Tiber, above 
Rome. The current carried him down to a very 
steep part of the hill which was unguarded by the 
Gauls. Permission being obtained, Camillus was made 
general, and repairing to Veii, saw himself at the head 
of 40,000 men. 

While this was going on, the Roman citadel was 
once nearly taken by surprise. Under cover of the 
night, a party of expert men accustomed to climb 
precipices ascended from rock to rock. No dog heard 
the sounds; but some sacred geese, naturally quick 
of hearing, were alarmed by the Gauls. They ran 
up and down, cackling loudly, while they made much 
noise by the fluttering of their wings. Manlius first 
ran to the ramparts. He cut off the hand of one, 
and with his buckler pushed the other off the ram- 
part, who in his fall overthrew all behind him. Thus 
they were all hurled headlong down the precipice. 

Camillus now approached the Gauls. The latter 
were in much distress, and a conference took place in 
which Rome agreed to give a certain ransom if the 
Gauls would retire. The Gauls brought false weights, 
which being objected to, Brennus, the king, insultingly 
added his sword, which he threw into the scale, cry- 
ing, " Woe to the vanquished." The Romans were 
just on the point of submitting, when Camillus sud- 
denly appeared, and instantly commanded the gold to 
4 



50 



ROMAN STORIES. 



be taken away, and the Gauls to depart. " It is with 
iron, not with gold," said Camillus, " that the Romans 
are wont to defend their liberty." 

Brennus prepared for battle, but was routed; and, 
in a second engagement, was so totally vanquished, 
that not a man remained to carry the news of the 
disaster to Gaul. Camillus returned in triumph to 

Rome, and the soldiers in their songs styled him 

'Camillus, the Father of his Country, and the second 
Founder of Rome.' 





FIRST PUNIC WAR — REGULUS. 

B. C. 264. 

1EING free from all danger at home, the 
Romans became anxious to extend their 
territory. The first war between the 
Romans and Carthaginians was caused 
by dissensions among the Sicilians, part 
of whose island belonged to Carthage. 
The Romans boldly declared war 
against Carthage, whose prosperity they envied. 

The first expedition which the Romans made out 
of Italy, was when they crossed over to Sicily and 
Messina, Now, they thought of subduing the Car- 
thaginians at sea. A vessel driven on shore served as 
a model, and Rome soon found herself in possession of 
no inconsiderable fleet. But ships, in those days, were 
not much better than large open vessels, propelled by 
oars. Duillius, the consul, ventured to attack the 
Carthaginian fleet, and soon gained a naval victory 
over them. Thus were the " rulers of the sea" de- 
feated on their own territory, for, until this action, 
Carthage held undisputed dominion at sea. 

Regulus and Manlius set sail from Italy to attempt 
the invasion of Africa. They carried 140,000 men 
in their fleet. The fleet of Carthage was again 
defeated, and Clypea was taken, together with 20,000 
men. Manlius was recalled to Rome, and Regulus 
continued in command. 

(51) 



52 ROMAN STORIES. 

The Carthaginians had procured forces from Sparta, 
under Xanthippus; and, thus supported, defeated the 
Romans, and took Regulus prisoner. It is painful to 
add, that the Carthaginians were so vexed at owing 
this victory to the presence and spirit of their warlike 
allies, that, when they sent home Xanthippus in their 
own vessels, they gave orders that he and his attend- 
ants should be massacred. What perfidious cruelty ! 
What ingratitude ! — Regulus was kept in prison many 
years ; and was then sent to Rome to propose peace, 
and an exchange of prisoners; having been first made 
to take an oath that he would return to Carthage, if 
he did not succeed in his proposals. When this noble 
Roman made his appearance among his countrymen, 
they were all touched by his misfortunes, and were 
willing to purchase his freedom by granting the 
request of his enemies. The generous Regulus would 
not allow his country to suffer for his sake ; and, 
though he knew that torture and death awaited him 
at Carthage, he begged that the Romans would send 
him back, and refuse the Carthaginians their prisoners; 
for among these prisoners were many skilful and 
vigorous young men, who would thus be set at liberty 
fight against Rome. 

The Roman senate allowed Regulus to have his 
choice. He quitted his native country with as much 
serenity as though he were going to an entertainment. 
The Carthaginians, seeing him return unsuccessful, 
were so enraged that they employed every kind of 
torture they could invent. They cut off or sewed 
back his eyelids, and then, bringing him out of a dark 
dungeon, exposed him to the sun at noon-day. After 
this they put him in a barrel, stuck full, on the inside, 



FIRST PUNIC WAR. 



53 



with sharp iron spikes. He bore all in patient 
silence, and died as heroically as he had lived. 

War was now renewed. The perseverance of the 
Romans at length caused the enemy to propose a 
peace. Sicily was left by the Carthaginians, who 
agreed never more to make war with Rome or her 
allies. Three thousand two hundred talents were also 
stipulated to be paid. 

The first Punic war lasted twenty-four years and 
ended, B. C. 241. 




i 




THE WAR OF HANNIBAL. 

B. C. 218. 

ARTHAGE soon violated the treaty 
they had made, and laid siege to the 
city of Saguntum, in Spain, which 
was then allied with Rome. Hannibal 
was the leader of the Carthaginians ; 
he had taken an oath of eternal enmity 
to the Romans. Rome resolved to de- 
fend her allies, and thus commenced the second Punic 
war, or the war of Hannibal. 

This proud general soon overran all Spain. He 
left Hanno with 11,000 men to maintain his conquests, 
and he, with 60,000 men, marched towards the Alps. 
Here he crossed with extreme difficulty, and found 
himself on the plains of Italy with only one half of 
his soldiers, the others having perished among the 
snowy-peaked Alps. Scipio was appointed to march 
against him, and having met him on the river Ticinus, 
after an inspiriting speech to his soldiers, ordered them 
to commence the battle. But they were defeated. 
A second battle was fought on the banks of the Tre- 
bia, in which the Romans were totally routed. 

At Cannae was fought a celebrated battle, B. C. 
216, and the Romans were again signally overthrown, 
under the command of their consuls. Varro, one of 
them, gave orders for battle against the wishes of his 
colleague, Paulus iEmilius ; but, the encounter once 

(54) 




(56) 



THE WAR OP HANNIBAL. 57 

begun, iEmilius fought with his utmost skill and 
bravery, and died covered with wounds. Just before 
his death, he was found sitting on a stone, faint and 
streaming with blood. The soldier who discovered 
him, besought him to mount his horse, and put himself 
under his protection. " No," said iEmilius, " I thank 
you heartily, but I will not clog you with my sinking 
frame ; go — haste to Rome ; tell the senate of this 
day's disaster, and bid them fortify the city, for the 
enemy are approaching it. I will die with my 
slaughtered soldiers, that I may neither suffer the 
indignation of Rome myself, nor be called upon to 
give any testimony against my colleague to prove my 
own innocence." With this noble sentiment on his 
lips, the intrepid consul expired. 

Varro, on his return to Rome, was treated with 
every mark of respect by the citizens, and was pub- 
licly thanked by the senate, for not having despaired 
of the commonwealth. 

Scipio, soon after this defeat, rallied around him a 
few spirited youths, and made a vow to fight for his 
country, whilst a drop of blood remained in his veins ; 
then, drawing his sword fiercely, he exclaimed, 
" Whoever is against Rome, this sword is against him !" 

It was this hero that induced the Romans to force 
the Carthaginians to quit Italy, and defend their own 
territory. He proposed to carry the war to Carthage, 
and succeeded in having his plan carried into execu- 
tion. Hannibal was hastily called to protect his 
native city from the very foe whom he had nearly 
annihilated. Rome was thus freed from the presence 
of the enemies whom they so much dreaded, and who 
were now obliged to defend themselves. Hannibal 



58 



ROMAN STORIES. 



obeyed the summons. He met Scipio, but in vain 
tried to procure an honourable peace. Scipio proudly 
and disdainfully rejected all his proposals, and the 
armies prepared for battle. 

The decisive contest took place at Zama, a town 
not far from Carthage, and the troops of that wealthy 
city were entirely defeated, B. C. 202. The terms 
of peace, granted by the Romans in the next year, 
were sufficiently hard, and their hatred of Hannibal 
was bitter and constant. Hannibal did not lose his 
life at Zama, but he lived to lament that he had not 
lost it honourably there ; for the Romans hunted him 
from place to place, till at last the brave, unfortunate, 
and venerable fugitive took poison. " Let us relieve 
the Romans of their fears," said he, " by closing the 
existence of a feeble old man." He died, B. C. 183. 

The second Punic war ended, B. C. 201. 





THIRD PUNIC WAR — DESTRUCTION 
OF CARTHAGE. 

B. C. 148. 

j FTER peace had been kept for nearly- 
half a century between Rome and 
Carthage, the two rivals were again 
engaged in war. The latter were 
reduced very low in a war with 
) Masinissa, and Rome resolved to seize 
the opportunity of their distress, to crush them en- 
tirely. 

The Carthaginians sent ambassadors to inquire 
" Upon what terms Carthage, if judged faulty, might 
be forgiven ?" The fathers, or senators, replied, " She 
must satisfy the Romans ; and that the Carthaginians 
knew the means very well." Rome soon declared 
war in form, and it is thought that jealousy alone 
prompted her to do so. Carthage was doomed to 
destruction by the cruel Romans. After extraordinary 
submissions, vainly employed to divert the war, the 
Carthaginians resolved to defend themselves. They had 
first promised implicit obedience, and yielded up three 
hundred of their children as hostages or security for 
their future conduct. They were next ordered to 
give up their arms, and even this was obeyed. Next, 
the Roman consul said : 

"I cannot but praise, Carthaginians, the ready 
obedience you have shown in sending us the hostages 

(61) 



62 ROMAN STORIES. 

required, and in giving up your arms. Many words 
are useless, when necessity urges. You will have for- 
titude to bear what the senate farther demands: 
yield up your city to us; transplant yourselves to what- 
ever part of your territory you like best, provided it 
be ten miles from the sea ; for we are determined to 
level Carthage with the ground." 

The ambassadors knew not what to do, for they 
knew the dire punishment which would be inflicted 
on their unsuccessful negotiation. They became fran- 
tic with grief, rage, and despair; they prostrated 
themselves on the earth, and tore the very flesh from 
their bodies. This passion, however, soon ceased, and 
the supplicants said : 

" We are sensible of the necessity of obeying. On 
our return we shall be torn to pieces before we have 
half delivered our message. We beg you to send 
your fleet there, so that our countrymen, seeing you 
ready to force submission, may submit without resist- 
ance." A fleet was sent ; the tale of woe was told, 
and dismay spread from breast to breast. All was 
terror and confusion. In this calamity, the senate 
decreed war ; proclaimed liberty, by a public herald, 
to all slaves; enrolled them in the militia; and begged 
Asdrubal, whom they had condemned, and who was 
not far off with 20,000 men, that he would protect 
them in this extreme danger. The noise of prepara- 
tion resounded in every street, and even the temples 
were, for a time, converted into workshops to make 
arms. The women made bowstrings of their hair: 
gold and silver were converted into arms, for no 
iron was left. How gladly would they have purchased 
iron for its weight in gold ! 



THIRD PUNIC WAR, 63 

Astonishment seized the Romans when they met 
with such unexpected resistance from a foe whom 
they had considered as prostrate; but their present 
courage was the effect of desperation ! Often were 
the cruel Romans repulsed from the walls, and many 
were they who fell in the contest. Had not Carthage 
been deserted by one of her officers, it is more than 
probable, she would never have been taken. We will 
not stain our paper with the name of the base wretch 
who betrayed his persecuted countrymen, and forsook 
them in the hour of peril. 

Scipio iEmilianus intercepted their supplies of food, 
and blocked up the haven. The citizens cut out a 
new passage to the sea. He next destroyed the army, 
stationed without the walls, killing 70,000 men, and 
taking 10,000 prisoners. After this, he broke through 
the walls, and entered the city, pulling, or burning 
down houses, temples, aud public buildings with indis- 
criminate fury. The air rang with shrieks and 
lamentations. Scipio for several days took no sleep, 
and once, with tears in his eyes, he repeated those 
lines from Homer, where Agamemnon foretells the 
destruction of Troy : 

" The day shall come, the great avenging day, 
When Troy's proud glories in the dust shall lay ; 
When Priam's power, and Priam's self shall fall, 
And one prodigious ruin swallow all." 

Also, the lines where Hector predicts the same : 

" Yet come it will, the day decreed by fates : 
(How my heart trembles, while my tongue relates !) 
The day when thou, imperial Troy, must bend, 
And in thy warriors' fall, thy glories end." 



64 ROMAN STORIES. 

Carthage, that once mighty city, in flames, brought 
to his mind, not only the fall of Troy, but the insta- 
bility of human things ; he feared that Rome, the 
proud mistress of the world, would one day undergo 
the same fate which now overwhelmed Carthage. 
The city, being taken, was first plundered, and then 
levelled to the ground. Asdrubal delivered himself 
up a prisoner; but his wife, while the fire was 
kindling, having decked herself in her best apparel, is 
said to have appeared with her two children on the 
top of the temple ; whence, calling out to Scipio, she 
begged him to punish her husband, according to his 
desert, that traitor to his God, his country, and his 
family. Then, directing her speech to Asdrubal, she 
said, ' Thou wicked, perfidious wretch ! the most 
cowardly of men ! this fire will quickly consume me 
and my children ; but thou, ruler of mighty Carthage ! 
what a triumph shalt thou adorn ! and what pun- 
ishment shalt thou not suffer from him at whose feet 
thou art now sitting.' This said, she cut the throats 
of her children, threw them into the flames, and her- 
self after them : — choosing rather to perish thus, than 
experience the vengeance of the victor. 

Thus fell Carthage, and, with her fall, the third 
Punic war was concluded (B. C. 146). The conduct 
of the Romans in this unhallowed transaction, is a 
black and lasting stain upon the character of that 
nation. 




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MARIUS. -CIVIL WAR. 




B. C. 88. 

[OMAN history, at this period, is the his- 
i tory of the world. Carthage and Corinth 
were destroyed; Macedonia was under 
her dominion; all Greece was reduced 
to a Roman province. Syria, in Asia, 
was compelled to make concessions, 
F<rvni u w i.? ° me had extensiy e influence in 
fe£? , Tl b ^ ttles were § ained over the rude in- 
habits of Spam, and Gallia more than once had 

wlrw er P ° Wei ; S °, that a,most the who 'e known 
world was under the control of Rome. Hence she 
derives the name of "mistress of the world " 

Cams Marius, the conqueror of Jugurtha, is well 
worthy of occupying a conspicuous place in the his- 
tory of this period. He was born of humble parents, 
but by perseverance he rose to be a commander of 
Roman armies. He sustained a war with the Cimbri, 
and totally defeated them in several engagements; he 
was elected consul several times. He was a leader at 
the destruction of Carthage. After all this service 
for -his country, he at last became one of her greatest 
enem.es He and Sylla were rivals, and in a war 
between Rome and Mithridates, king of Pontus, Sylla 
and Manus both anxiously desired to obtain the com* 

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68 ROMAN STORIES. 

mand. Marius joined himself with Sulpicius, in whose 
character were united cruelty, impudence, avarice, 
and all sorts of vice. A tumult was occasioned by 
Sylla, who proclaimed holidays, in order to defeat the 
projects of his rival. Sylla was obliged to escape 
from the city, and join the army. All things were in 
confusion at Rome ; Sylla was marching with 35,000 
men towards that city. The senate sided with Marius, 
and sent orders to Sylla to advance no farther; 
but the magistrates who directed this were insulted, 
and had their clothes torn from their bodies. The 
Roman army then advanced, and, Sylla setting the 
example, several houses were soon involved in flames. 
Resistance from within was useless; Sylla became 
master of the Capitol, and proposed the banishment 
of Marius. 

One senator alone refused his consent : he said, 
u Although you should threaten me with death, and 
give me up to those soldiers with whom you have sur- 
rounded the senate-house, you shall never persuade 
me for the sake of a life, now almost exhausted, to 
pronounce Marius an enemy, who has saved Italy and 
Rome." But there were enough who favoured his 
banishment; the decree was passed, and Marius became 
an exile. He fled from the city, and wandered among 
some marshes, in which he had time to reflect on the 
consequences of ambition. 

" Oh, dire ambition ! what infernal power 
Unchained thee from thy native depths of hell, 
To stalk the earth with thy destructive train, 
Murder and lust ! to waste domestic peace, 
And every heart-felt joy ! 



MARIUS CIVIL WAR. 69 

" Oh, false ambition, 
Thou lying phantom ! whither hast thou led me ! 
Ev'n to this giddy height where now I stand 
Forsaken, comfortless, with not a friend 
In whom my soul can trust." Brown. 

Or he might have said, with Pope, 

" Oh, sons of earth ! attempt ye still to rise, 
By mountains piled on mountains, to the skies % 
Heaven still with laughter thy vain toil surveys, 
And buries madmen in the heaps they raise." 

Such was now the condition of Marius. He, for a 
long, miserable night, was buried up to his chin in a 
marsh. In the morning he was discovered all dirty 
and naked, and was thrown into prison. A Cimbrian 
slave was sent to despatch him in his place of confine- 
ment ; but the fierce looks and savage appearance of 
Marius, so terrified the poor wretch, that he dared 
not approach him to take his life; and the foolish 
governor, thinking this an omen that the prisoner 
should not die, restored him to liberty. 

He fled from Italy into Africa in a ship furnished 
by those who dared not injure him. After landing, 
he was seen sitting among the ruins of Carthage. He 
had been forbidden to set his foot on land, but, on 
the arrival of a messenger with this sad interdict 
Marius said, " Go tell the praetor, that you have seen 
Marius an exile from his country, and sitting among 
the ruins of Carthage ;" meaning (says Plutarch) to 
propose the fate of that city, and his own adversity, 
as an instructive lesson to the praetor. He went on 
board of his ship, and sailed about in those seas for 
the greater part of the winter. 



70 



ROMAN STORIES. 



Cinna joined him ; an army was soon raised, and, 
after reducing many towns near Rome, he entered 
that famous city by force. Sylla was in Asia, and 
Marius, pausing at the gate, said angrily, " I am an 
exile, and forbidden by the laws to enter the city; 
and I require you to reverse the decree." Great 
numbers of people flocked to do this; but scarcely 
had one half voted, when he, throwing off the mask 
of deception, entered the city with four thousand men. 
The gates were instantly closed, and the band rushed 
through the streets of Rome, slaughtering all whom 
Marius feared or hated. The soldiers murdered all 
whose salutations were not returned by Marius. 

Marius himself was carried off by the unsparing 
hand of death in the midst of these cruelties. He 
seems to have fallen a victim to his ungoverned pas- 
sions. He died, B. C. 86 





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SYLLA — MASSACRE AT ROME. 

B. C. 82. 

YLLA, after his victories in Greece and 
Asia, returned to chastise his own fel- 
low-citizens at Rome, who had opposed 
his horrid cruelties. This tyrant, with 
Pompey, appeared before Rome. Al- 
though his troops were much fatigued, 
he ordered the trumpets to sound a 
charge. An officer, the implacable 
enemy of Rome, went from rank to rank, crying, 
" The last day of Rome is come ! The city must be 
razed to the ground !" The battle continued through 
a whole night, and his part of the army being defeat- 
ed, Sylla pulled out a little image of Apollo from his 
bosom, and kissing it with great devotion, he expostu- 
lated with the god for having caused his defeat. All 
was to no purpose, for he was routed. Crassus, how- 
ever, in turn, compelled the Romans to fly. 

The tyrant was now master of Rome. No man 
ever made a more cruel use of victory. From six to 
eight thousand wretches were shut up in a public 
place, and an indiscriminate massacre took place. 
Sylla was in the senate-house, and the cries and 
lamentations being heard there, he coolly said, " It 
is nothing but a few seditious persons whom I have 
ordered to be punished." 

(73) 



74 ROMAN STORIES. 

" So spake the fiend, and with necessity, 
The tyrant's plea, excused his devilish deeds." 

Milton. 

After this bloody commencement, not a day passed 
without the perpetration of the most shocking mur- 
ders; and Sylla's horrible proscription, as it is called, 
is never thought of without shuddering. Husbands 
were massacred in the arms of their wives, and sons in 
the bosoms of their devoted mothers! and all that 
Sylla might reign with unlimited power, and in undis- 
turbed security ! 

Some years after, he retired to the country, and, 
by indulging to a great excess in luxury, brought on 
a horrible distemper. His entrails were corrupted, 
and his flesh was full of vermin. No method of exter- 
minating the vermin proved effectual, and the tyrant 
died in this horrible condition, writing his own epitaph. 
He said no man had ever outdone him, either in 
obliging his friends, or in avenging himself on his 
enemies. How little consolation could this afford him 
in the moment of his dissolution ! 





(76) 




CATILINE'S CONSPIRACY. 

B. C. 73. 

|N the death of Sylla, another Roman 
was commencing a career of greatness : 
this was no other than Julius Caesar. 
Debauchery, luxury, and their natural 
consequence, poverty, had occasioned 
great commotions among the citizens 
of Rome. Whilst Pompey was making 
extensive conquests abroad, Rome had nearly fallen 
into the power of a daring individual, who, for mere 
revenge, resolved to try all means in his power to 
enslave his country and displace Cicero, who was then 
consul, and whom he envied and hated as bis greatest 
enemy. Cicero had denounced Catiline for a trai- 
torous conspiracy, of which he was undoubtedly 
guilty. Catiline upon this resolved to have revenge 
upon one whom he dared not allow to inform the peo- 
ple of his real character. Catiline was indolent, luxu- 
rious, and extremely profligate. He had connected 
with himself, in the plot, Cethegus, a man of a fierce 
and impetuous temper, capable of the most desperate 
deeds. 

Among the conspirators was Q,. Curius. He disclosed 
whatever he heard without regarding the conse- 
quences, and it was he who discovered the plot to 
Fulvia, when boasting of the great wealth he would 
become master of, by the success of the plot; and 

(77) 



78 ROMAN STORIES. 

through her the senate were informed that a daring 
insurrection was about to break out in the city. 

The conspirators had resolved that Catiline should 
put himself at the head of the troops in Etruria ; that 
Rome should be fired in many places at once, and a 
massacre begin at the same time ; so that, in the con- 
sternation of the fire and massacre, Catiline should 
enter the city with his army. Two Roman knights 
engaged to murder Cicero. No sooner was this agreed 
upon, than Cicero received information of it through 
Fulvia. Catiline fled, and the other conspirators were 
seized and confined in prison. 

Cicero, in a speech pronounced on this occasion, 
said, " A domestic war remains for us to encounter; the 
treason, the danger, the enemy is within ; we are to 
combat with luxury, with madness, and with villany." 
Caesar spoke in favour of mild measures, and pro- 
posed perpetual imprisonment as a punishment for 
the conspirators. 

Portius Cato, another celebrated Roman orator, 
stern, severe, and haughty, warmly and forcibly coun- 
selled that the rebels should suffer death. Cicero 
agreeing in this opinion, the prisoners were immedi- 
ately strangled. It has been well said, " that Cicero 
loved his country, in hopes one day to govern it ; but 
that Cato loved it more than other countries, only 
because he thought it more free." 

Catiline was at this time about to cross the Apen- 
nines into Gaul. He heard of the seizure and execu- 
tion of his fellow-conspirators, and was, for some time, 
doubtful what course to pursue. He resolved at 
Corinth to encounter the Roman army, after being 
pursued by Metellus for a considerable distance. The 



catiline's conspiracy. 



79 



battle was desperate and bloody; Catiline and his 
troops were cut to pieces. When Catiline's body 
was found, he was not quite breathless, but retained, 
in the agonies of death, that fierceness of countenance 
which had always been natural to him. The victory 
proved bloody and mournful to Rome; the bravest 
men of the legions being either killed or wounded. 

Thus died Catiline, and thus Rome once more 
found herself free from all apprehensions of impending 
danger. 





JULIUS C^SAR. — INVASION OF BRITAIN. 

B. C. 55. 

| HIS general was perhaps the greatest 
ever possessed by Rome. He first 
conquered the Helvetians, who lost 
two hundred thousand men in their 
various encounters with him. Eighty- 
thousand Germans were next cut off, 
and their monarch was compelled to 
seek safety by flight in a fishing-boat. The Gauls 
were next conquered, and the dominion of Rome now 
extended from Italy to the British Channel. 

In Gaul, Julius Caesar heard a great deal about 
Britain : he learned that it was a fine country, and he 
felt a great desire to conquer it. Stimulated by this 
wish, he crossed over into Britain, with several vessels 
filled with Roman soldiers. The Britons had information 
of this, and approached the shore with a brave 
determination of opposing the invader. Although 
nearly naked and badly armed, they fought so bravely 
that Caesar could scarcely land. At last, a Roman 
standard-bearer leapt out of one of the vessels, and 
calling on his fellow-soldiers to protect their standard, 
moved on to the shore. The poor Britons, having no 
armour to resist the swords and spears of their enemies, 
were soon routed, and Caesar effected a landing. 

Caesar staid only a few weeks in the island. So 
many of his followers were killed by the repeated and 



JULIUS CESAR. 



83 



often successful assaults of the Britons, that he thought 
it better to return to the continent. Many of his 
ships were destroyed in a storm, and the great con- 
queror gained nothing in Britain of which to boast. 

Next year he again visited Britain, but just as he 
was on the point of pursuing the routed inhabitants, 
near Canterbury, he heard that a dreadful storm had 
destroyed the greater part of his fleet. Instead of 
pursuing and slaughtering the defenceless people, 
he hastily marched to the coast to behold his loss. 
Most of his vessels were driven on the shore, and 
many of them much damaged. He again fought the 
inhabitants, but he found them so brave, and so diffi- 
cult to subdue, and the country so unfavourable to 
his designs, that he gave up the enterprise, and 
returned to Gaul. He has left an account of the ex- 
pedition, which is very interesting. The description 
he gives of the rude manners of the natives is also 
very curious and entertaining. 





CROSSING OF THE RUBICON. 

R C. 48. 

|OU have, no doubt, often heard the ex- 
pression, " I have passed the Rubicon, 
and must now go on." The origin of 
this saying is the crossing of the river, 
called the Rubicon, by Caesar, whose 
ambition led him at last to fight against 
his own country, and overthrow her liberties. 

On discovering that Caesar was approaching Rome 
from Gaul, in order to increase his power in the 
government by force, the senate declared that he 
should resign his command, and disband his forces, 
within a specified time ; and, if he refused obedience, 
he should be considered an enemy to the republic. 
Caesar, by no means intimidated, advanced to the 
Rubicon, which separated Gaul from Italy, and paused 
on the brink of that river. " If I pass this river," 
said he to one of his generals, " what miseries shall I 
bring upon my country ! and if I now stop, I am 
undone." 

No wonder that he paused — no wonder if, his 
imagination wrought upon by his conscience, he had 
beheld blood instead of water, and heard groans 
instead of murmurs ! But, " No !" — he cried, " The 
die is cast !" He plunged — he crossed ! and Rome 
was free no more ! 

(84) 




(86) 



CROSSING OF THE RUBICON. 87 

His hostile movement spread consternation in the 
capital. Pompey was now to oppose him. Well 
aware of his inability to meet Caesar, the conqueror 
of Gaul and Britain, and who had been so often vic- 
torious, he retreated from place to place, till at last 
he engaged the army of Caesar on the plains of Phar- 
salia. 

It was during the flight of Pompey, that Caesar, 
who was pursuing him in a light vessel, was overtaken 
by a dreadful storm, and the boatman, wearied with 
struggling against the winds and waves, in despair 
threw aside his oars, and would have consigned him- 
self and his charge to the waves. Caesar, who had 
kept the boatman ignorant of his rank, at this awful 
crisis discovered to him his real name, and, bidding 
him row on boldly, exclaimed, " Fear nothing, for 
you have Caesar and his fortunes on board." The 
man renewed his efforts, and landed Caesar safely on 
the shore. 

The confidence evinced by this celebrated expres- 
sion of Caesar was fully justified by the result. When 
the armies finally met at Pharsalia, the superior disci- 
pline of his troops, and the good fortune which appears 
to have attended till his arrival at the summit of 
power, enabled him to give his famous rival a com- 
plete overthrow. The army of Pompey was entirely 
routed and his fortunes completely wrecked. He was 
compelled to seek safety. for his person by abandoning 
his army and betaking himself to flight. 




DEATH OF POMPEY. 

OMPEY, after the battle of Pharsalia, 
sailed first to Amphipolis. Here he 
commanded all, whether Romans or 
Grecians, to assist him in reducing 
Caesar to submission ; but he soon found 
it best to fly from thence without op- 
posing the conqueror, who was ap- 
proaching him. He determined to go to Lesbos, an 
island on which his wife Cornelia resided. But here 
he found no more rest than elsewhere, and accordingly 
he proceeded to Egypt. 

Ptolemy then king of Egypt was very young ; and 
his ministers pursued an infamous course, in their 
treatment of the fugitive Pompey, whose misfortunes 
certainly entitled him to respect. But these men 
regardless of all the feelings of humanity, treated him 
with the basest treachery. They sent a boat for him, 
to carry him to the shore, and Cornelia beheld her 
husband enter it with a heart full of grief. Achillas, 
captain of the king's guard, had been commanded to 
murder Pompey, before he should appear in the pre- 
sence of the young king, who, the cruel ministers 
feared, might have compassion on the unfortunate 
general. 

After taking an affectionate leave of Cornelia, he 

(88) 




(90) 



DEATH OF POMPEY. 91 

had entered the little bark, and Cornelia eagerly- 
watched his course with straining eyes. During the 
passage from the ship to land, no one spoke a single 
word, or showed the least mark of affection or kind- 
ness to Pompey, who felt this neglect to be the evi- 
dence of some base design. Nor was he deceived. 
He determined to break the silence of the company, 
by saying to Septimus, " Methinks I remember you 
have formerly served me." Septimus answered only 
by a slight inclination of his head, without uttering a 
single word, or showing the least civility to his former 
master. Hereupon, Pompey produced a speech, in- 
tended to be used in his audience with Ptolemy, the 
Egyptian king, and read it aloud to them. 

In this manner they came to the shore, and Corne- 
lia, who still beheld him from the ship, was almost 
disposed to believe that he was about to meet a wel- 
come reception, for she saw the shore crowded with 
people. But alas ! these hopes only deceived her, to 
make the scene, which she was about to behold, the 
more shocking to her feelings. When Pompey rose 
to go from the boat to the shore, he was stabbed in 
the back by Septimus, who was seconded by Achillas. 
Cornelia, with a piercing shriek, testified that she 
beheld the horrid spectacle. Pompey, as soon as he 
felt the wounds, wrapped his head in his robe, and 
quietly resigned himself to his fate. 

His murderers then cut off his head, and threw 
his body away. His companion, Philip, stayed by it, 
and, while collecting fuel for the funeral pile, was 
accosted by an old soldier, who had been in many 
battles under Pompey : " Who art thou that art 
making these sad preparations for the funeral of 



92 ROMAN STORIES. 

Pompey the Great ?" Philip answered him, " I am 
one of his freedmen." 

" Thou shalt not," replied the other, " have all this 
honour to thyself: let me participate in an action so just 
and sacred. It will please me amidst the miseries of 
my exile, to have touched the body, and assisted at 
the funeral of the greatest and noblest soldier Rome 
ever produced." Thus, according to Plutarch, were 
the last rites performed. An inscription was placed 
over the spot : " How poor is the tomb which covers 
the man who had so many temples erected to his 
honour !" It is asserted that Cornelia, some years 
after, carried away the ashes of her husband, but 
Lucan supposes them to have remained in Egypt. 

" And thou, oh, Rome ! by whose forgetful hand 
Altars and temples, reared to tyrants, stand, 
Canst thou neglect to call thy hero home, 
And leave his ghost in banishment to roam 1 
What though the victor's frown, and thy base fear, 
Bade thee at first the pious task forbear, 
Yet now, at least, oh ! let him now return, 
And rest with honour in a Roman urn. 
Nor let mistaken superstition dread, 
On such occasions, to disturb the dead. 
Oh ! would commanding Rome my hand employ, 
This pious task should be performed with joy, 
How would I fly to tear him from the tomb, 
And bear his ashes in my bosom home !" 




CATO DESTROYS HIMSELF. 

B. C. 46. 

[RUTUS, when very young, served as 
an officer under Cato. When Caesar 
and Pompey began to strive for power, 
though Pompey had injured Brutus by 
causing the death of his father, yet did 
Brutus silence his wounded feelings, and, 
considering Caesar the greatest enemy 
to the freedom of Rome, he joined Pompey. Brutus 
was, nevertheless, befriended by Caesar, after the 
battle of Pharsalia, as was also Cassius. 

When Cato was once offered a choice of military 
appointments, he declined them all, saying, " I have 
yet done nothing to deserve such honours." And once 
when a friend said, " Cato, the world finds fault with 
your silence," he replied, " No matter, as long as it 
does not find fault with my life. I shall speak, when 
I can speak worthily." Cato thought that his country- 
men were too luxurious in their manners, and too 
loose in their morals. He dressed plainly, and ate 
abstemiously ; and was so strict an observer of truth, 
that it became a proverb in Rome : " It must be true, 
for Cato said it; or, "I would not believe it unless 
Cato said it." 

No virtue bestows so much honour as truth, and no 
virtue can be so easily practised. Who could not 
speak truth precisely ? Then why is it not always 

(93) 



94 ROMAN STORIES. 

spoken? Informed of the death of Pompey, Cato 
fixed himself at Utica, not far from Carthage, and 
there awaited the approach of Caesar. In vain his 
friends urged him to remove farther from danger ; he 
heard their request unmoved, and in silence saw them 
depart. He seemed to consider the liberty of Rome 
as extinct, and desired not to survive it. 

When he heard that Cassar was on his way to 
Utica, he invited a large party to supper, at which 
he conversed freely and cheerfully with his guests. 
When they left him, he retired to his chamber, 
embracing his son with more than usual tenderness. 
He then lay down and began to read ; but observing 
that his sword did not hang in its usual place, he 
called to his servants, and desired them to bring it to 
him. 

His son, fearing from his looks and conduct that he 
meant to destroy himself, had taken away his sword, 
and he now hastened to his father, to beseech him to 
be composed, and not insist upon having his sword. 
Cato sternly replied, that he could do without his 
sword, since there were other modes of dying. The 
young man retired in an agony of grief; and, soon 
afterwards, a little child took in the sword. Cato 
drew it from the sheath, and, seeing that the edge 
was bright and sharp, " Now/' said he, " I am master 
of myself." The Heathens thought self-murder or 
suicide a noble virtue: Christians know it to be other- 
wise. 

" Our time is fixed, and all our days are numbered ; 
How long, how short, we know not : this we know, 
Duty requires we calmly wait the summons, 
Nor dare to stir till Heaven shall give permission, 



CATO DESTROYS HIMSELF. 95 

Like sentries that must keep their destined stand, 
And wait th' appointed hour, till they 're relieved. 
Those only are the brave who keep the ground, 
And keep it to the last. To run away 
Is but a coward's trick : to run away 
From this world's ills, that, at the very worst, 
Will soon blow o'er, thinking to mend ourselves 
By boldly venturing on a world unknown, 
And plunging headlong in the dark ! 'tis mad : 
No frenzy half so desperate as this. 

* * * * "Tr TT 

It must be an awful thing to die ; 

More horrid still to die by one's own hand." 

K But Cato was unacquainted with these noble senti- 
ments, and hastened his appearance before the dread 
tribunal of God. This is an awful instance of the 
crimes into which a false religion leads its followers. 





ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. 

|PON the death of Cato, Caesar returned 
to Rome in a most splendid triumph, 
such as had, perhaps, never before been 
seen. It lasted four days : one for Gaul, 
of which he was conqueror, another 
for Egypt, a third for his victories in 
Asia, and a fourth for the victory over 
Juba, in Africa. Every one of his veteran troops, 
scarred with wounds, was crowned with laurels, and 
marched in the triumphal procession to the Capitol. 
All his soldiers, and many of the citizens, shared 
largely in his bounty, so that the whole people were 
amazed at the almost inexhaustible treasure which 
he had amassed in his campaigns. 

Intoxicated with admiration, the citizens made him 
" Master of the morals of the People ;" and he, soon 
after, received the name of Emperor. He governed 
the state, now an empire, with great clemency and 
moderation. He made many salutary laws for the 
prosperity of his country, and now once more Rome 
was in a flourishing condition. He also reformed the 
calendar, — a work which was of very general benefit 
to mankind ; and Csesar, by so many noble acts, 
gained the affections of most of his people ; but, alas ! 
the jealousy of a few crushed at a blow all his hopes. 
The sons of Pompey, in Spain, resolved to dispute 

(96) 



ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. 99 

Caesar's power, and met him on the plain of Munda ; 
and, after one of the most obstinate struggles ever 
experienced, Caesar was again victorious. By this 
decisive blow, he completely overthrew the power of 
his open enemies; but still a secret conspiracy was 
formed against him by Brutus and Cassius. 

His friends tried to persuade him to have a guard 
about his person, but, " It is better to die at once," 
said he, " than always live in fear." The conspirators, 
in order to give a colour of justice to their design, 
resolved to wait till the day on which Caesar was to be 
offered the crown, for as yet he had only the power, 
and not the name, of emperor. When the day, which 
the augurs foretold was to be fatal to him, and on 
which he w r as to be offered the crown, arrived, Caesar 
refused to accept it, and the shout that was then 
given by the admiring people, was loud and universal. 

Sixty persons were now engaged in the plot. They 
deliberated, and it was soon resolved that Caesar should 
be assassinated in the senate-house. They were not 
fighting so much to free the city, as to revenge them- 
selves upon their enemies, and get dominion into their 
own hands. In the morning of the fatal day, Caesar 
was almost persuaded to remain at home by a slight 
indisposition, and perhaps by the dream of his wife, 
in which she thought him stabbed to the heart. But 
Brutus easily prevailed on him to go. 

Many circumstances transpired, which came near 
discovering the plot. A slave tried to reach Caesar in the 
crowd to inform him of his danger, but could not see him. 
He also received a letter, and the bearer said, "Read 
this, and lose no time, for it much concerns you." 
But in the crowd he was unable to do as he was bid, 



100 ROMAN STORIES. 

and entered the senate-house with the paper in his 
hands. The conspirators were in the greatest alarm, 
and every moment feared the plot might be revealed. 
The wife of Brutus was at the point of death; for, 
as the moment of her husband's hazardous enterprise 
drew near, she was seized with a dreadful panic. 
They had already agreed by signs to stab themselves 
rather than be seized and led to an ignominious 
death; universal consternation prevailed among the 
assassins ; some had already laid their hands on their 
poniards, but Brutus soon assured them they had 
nothing to fear. 

The conspirators surrounded Caesar, and one of them, 
advancing to him, immediately seized his gown and 
drew it over his shoulders, which was the sign that 
the attack was commenced. He was wounded slight- 
ly in the throat by one of them, and, when attempting 
to run to his seat, was met by another, who gave him 
a mortal wound. Finding himself surrounded by 
assassins with drawn daggers, he quietly resigned 
himself to his fate, and received twenty-three wounds. 
It is remarkable that he fell at the feet of Pompey's 
statue, which was one of the ornaments of the senate- 
house. 





(101) 




DEATH OF BRUTUS. 

B. C. 42. 

NTONY, who was the instigator of 
the general cry of revenge for the 
death of Caesar, was resolved to push 
the matter to the utmost extremity, 
and make the most of the occasion. 
But another competitor soon appear- 
ed in Augustus, the adopted son of Caesar. Lepidus 
also sighed for supremacy. From the ambition of 
these three, it appeared extremely probable that 
some fatal event would follow. But the three united 
in a common cause; they resolved to revenge the 
death of Caesar. They formed what was called the 
Second Triumvirate. 

In order to carry out their plans, they met on a 
small island in the river Rheno, and expressed their 
thanks to Antony and his soldiers for beheading Deci- 
mus Brutus. Five days were employed by them in 
arranging their concerns. The empire was to be 
divided between them, and thus was the fate of mil- 
lions of human beings determined by three usurpers, 
prompted by an inordinate ambition. Gaul was to be 
placed under Antony ; Spain, under the dominion of 
Lepidus ; and Augustus was to govern Africa. 

Cassius and Brutus, however, were not willing 
quietly to give up their intentions, and both parties 

(103) 



104 ROMAN STORIES. 

met on the plains of Philippi. A very curious anec- 
dote is related of Brutus, while encamped at this 
place, in which it is said he was warned of his 
approaching death by an apparition. 

One evening, while engaged in reading in his tent, 
he heard an unusual noise near the entrance. Upon 
turning in the direction of the sound, he beheld the 
most hideous spectre imaginable. The frightful appa- 
rition approached, and Brutus, by no means daunted, 
asked him, " Art thou a god, or art thou a man ? and 
for what purpose comest thou hither ?" The spectre 
replied, " I am thy evil genius, and shall again see 
thee at Philippi." " Well," said Brutus, " I will there 
see thee," and the spectre disappeared immediately. 
Brutus maintained the most perfect coolness during 
the whole transaction, and as soon as the spectre 
vanished, he addressed his guards. Not one had seen 
the appalling apparition ; Brutus said that it was, 
perhaps, his imagination that had created the spectre, 
and added, that, although he did not believe in spec- 
tres, yet he wished there were such things, " for," 
said he, " they could not but favour such a cause as 
ours." 

At the battle of Philippi, he conducted himself 
like a brave man. Everything gave way before his 
powerful arms ; he reached his opponent's camp, and 
destroyed it, and already thought himself victorious. 
But, looking for Cassius, he saw that his division had 
been defeated. Cassius was so grieved at his defeat, 
that he immediately retired to his tent, and com- 
manded his slaves to cut off his head. The fatal 
order was executed, and Brutus now found only the 
corpse of his friend. Brutus again exerted himself 



DEATH OF BRUTUS. 105 

to retrieve his fortune, but was again routed. He 
disdained to live while his country was enslaved. 

When, in the morning, he saw that no hope of suc- 
cess remained to him, he desired Strato, one of his 
friends, to do the last office for him. Seeing the 
other unwilling, Brutus called to a slave, but Strato 
cried out, " Ah ! then, it shall never be said that the 
great Brutus stood in need of a slave, for want of a 
friend." Strato then presented his sword, on which 
Brutus threw himself with such violence as to make 
the blade pass through his body, and he instantly 
expired. 

Such were the heathen ideas of heroic virtue. A 
belief in the Christian religion would have taught this 
brave Roman that it was his duty to await God's 
will with patience, and not to rush into the presence 
of his Maker, uncalled. 




ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 




^^ j^g§ ROM the moment of the death of Bru- 
tus, the triumvirate exercised undis- 
puted power. Under their auspices, 
Antony went to Athens, in Greece, to 
receive the flattery of that people. 
From thence he went into Asia, and, 
proceeding from kingdom to kingdom, 
made all the sovereigns of the east de- 
pendent on him. But among them all, Cleopatra was 
the most celebrated. 

He went over to Egypt, the country of which she 
was queen, in order to meet her. He cited her to 
appear before him to answer a charge of having 
assisted Cassius. She easily saw how she might con- 
quer a man of his character, and therefore, without 
hesitation, went to meet him in the most imposing 
style she could possibly contrive. 

Never did a princess appear in a manner so singu- 
lar and magnificent. She departed to meet him in a 
splendid galley (See Frontispiece), whose stern was of 
gold, the sails of purple silk, and the oars plated with 
silver, which gently kept time to a concert of music. 
The queen was lying under a canopy of rich cloth of 
gold, adorned like Venus rising out of the sea, with 
lovely children about her, as Cupids, fanning her, and her 
women were dressed like Nereids, leaning negligently 

(106) 




(107) 



ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 109 

on the sides and shrouds of the vessel. The odours 
of the perfumes that were burning, reached the banks 
of the river, which were crowded with an immense 
number of people. Antony, who was mounted on a 
throne, to make a show of majesty, found himself 
deserted by all his attendants : all ran to see such an 
extraordinary sight. She desired him to visit her. 
He was exceedingly surprised at the neatness and 
magnificence of the entertainment, with the ingenious 
disposition of the lights, and many other curious con- 
trivances. 

Next day Antony endeavoured to equal her magni- 
ficence in the entertainment, but soon found his defi- 
ciency in this respect. He, however, turned it all 
into a jest, in which Cleopatra heartily joined. Thus 
was the time spent in mirth and gaiety. At length, 
Cleopatra informed Antony that she came not to excul- 
pate herself, but to receive a recompense for the 
signal services she had rendered to Rome. She 
related all these with so much artifice, that Antony 
forgot for what purpose he had visited Egypt, and 
from that moment conceived a violent passion for 
Cleopatra, which was the cause of all his misfortunes. 
He seemed to forget that Fulvia, his wife in Rome, yet 
lived ; and now his utmost wish was to aspire to the 
hand of Cleopatra. 

Fulvia felt for some time all the rage of jealousy, 
and resolved to try every method of bringing back 
her husband from Cleopatra. She considered a breach 
with Augustus as the only probable means of rousing 
him from his lethargy ; and, accordingly, with the as- 
sistance of Lucina, her brother-in-law, she began to 
sow the seeds of dissension. The pretext was, that 



110 ROMAN STORIES. 

Antony should have a share in the distribution of lands 
as well as Augustus. This produced negotiations 
between them, and Augustus offered to make the 
veterans themselves umpires in this dispute. Lucius 
refused to acquiesce ; and, being at the head of more 
than six legions, mostly composed of such as were dis- 
possessed of their lands, he resolved to compel Augustus 
to accept of whatever terms he should offer. Thus a 
new war was excited between Augustus and Antony ; 
or, at least, the generals of Antony assumed the sanc- 
tion of his name. Augustus was victorious; Lucius 
was hemmed in between two armies, and constrained 
to retreat to Perusia, where he was closely besieged 
by the opposite party. He made many desperate 
sallies, and Fulvia did all in her power to relieve him, 
but without success, so that, being at last reduced to 
extremity by famine, he delivered himself up to the 
mercy of the conqueror. Augustus received him 
honourably, and generously pardoned him and all his 
followers. 

Antony having heard of his brother's overthrow, 
and of his wife being compelled to leave Italy, was 
resolved to oppose Augustus. He accordingly sailed 
at the head of a considerable fleet, and had an inter- 
view with Fulvia at Athens. He much blamed her 
for occasioning the late disorders, testified the utmost 
contempt for her person, and, leaving her upon her 
death-bed, hastened into Italy to fight Augustus. They 
met at Brundusium, and it was now thought that 
the flames of civil war were going to blaze out once 
more. The forces of Antony were numerous, but 
mostly newly raised; however, he was assisted by 
Sextus Pompeius, who, in those oppositions of interest, 



ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 



Ill 



was daily coming into power. Augustus was at the 
head of those veterans who had always been irresist- 
ible, but who seemed no way disposed to fight against 
Antony, their former general. A negotiation was there- 
fore proposed, and a reconciliation was effected : all 
offences and affronts were mutually forgiven ; and, to 
cement the union, a marriage was concluded between 
Antony and Octavia, the sister of Augustus. A new 
division of the Roman empire was made between 
them: Augustus was to have command of the West — 
Antony of the East; while Lepidus had to content 
himself with the provinces in Africa. Sextus Pom- 
peius retained all the islands he already possessed, 
together with Peloponnesus. It was stipulated to 
leave the sea open, and to pay the people what corn 
was due, out of Sicily. Thus, a general peace was 
concluded to the great satisfaction of the people, who 
now expected an end to all their calamities. 





THE SEA-FIGHT NEAR ACTIUM. 

B. C. 31. 

i UGUSTUS found a great obstacle to 
his ambitious prospects in Antony, 
and in order to get rid of such a rival 
he willingly seized every opportunity 
of retarding his career. In the ex- 
pedition of Rome against the Par- 
thians, Antony had incurred much reproach by his 
conduct, but he disregarded all contempt, and only 
wished to admire the charms of Cleopatra, who was 
dearer to him than all other objects. Augustus readily 
joined with Octavius, and sent Antony's wife to him, 
merely to furnish a pretext for war. Antony and 
Cleopatra were enjoying all the pleasures which 
luxury and splendour could bestow ; but even these 
were attended with misfortune. Cleopatra appeared 
more and more lovely, in proportion as difficulties in- 
creased, and Antony often found her bathed in tears 
at the thought of their separation. This was enough 
to make Antony determine never to forego the pleasure 
of her company. He would not acknowledge Octavia 
as his wife, and married Cleopatra with the approba- 
tion of all Egypt. He absurdly affected to bestow on 
her some of the countries which belonged to Rome, and 
on this account the Romans took arms against him. 

Antony was supported in his pretensions by most 
of the forces of the East; Augustus drew after him 

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(116) 



SEA-FIGHT NEAR ACTIUM. 117 

the strength of the West Antony had 100,000 foot, 
and 12,000 horse ; with a fleet of five hundred ships. 
Augustus had to oppose these, only 80,000 foot, 
and 12,000 horse; and, to increase the disproportion, 
he had only half as many ships, though these were 
superior in construction. The engagement which de- 
cided the fate of Rome was fought near Actium, at sea. 
The fleet of Antony was drawn up before the mouth 
of the gulf of Ambracia, and the other fleet opposed 
this, while the land armies were drawn up on the 
shore to witness the battle. Both sides acquitted 
themselves with great bravery. For some time it 
was uncertain in whose favour the battle would turn. 
All on shore was expectation, and the minds of the 
spectators were roused to the utmost pitch. Upon a 
sudden, Cleopatra became terrified at meeting such 
opposition, and fled with her sixty ships. Antony, 
struck with dismay, followed her, and thus the victory 
was decided against him. The army on land sub- 
mitted, on seeing this, and Antony's power was now 
for ever extinguished. 

Antony, hearing that Cleopatra was dead, exclaimed, 
" Miserable man ! what is there now worth living for ? 
since all that could soothe or soften my cares is 
departed ! Oh, Cleopatra ! our separation does not so 
much afflict me, as the disgrace I suffer in permitting 
a woman to instruct me in the ways of dying." He 
now called to one of his freedmen, named Eros, whom 
he had engaged by oath to kill him, whenever fortune 
should drive him to this last resource, and commanded 
him to perform his promise. This faithful follower 
drew his sword, as if going instantly to strike the 
blow, when, turning his face, he plunged it into his own 



118 ROMAN STORIES. 

bosom, and dropped at his master's feet Antony, for 
a while, hung over his faithful servant, charmed with 
his fidelity. Then, snatching up the sword he stabbed 
himself, and fell backward upon a couch. The wound 
was mortal ; yet, the blood stopping, he recovered his 
spirits, and earnestly conjured those who were come 
into the room to put an end to his life ; but they all 
fled, seized with fright and horror. He continued in 
this miserable condition till he was informed, by one 
of the queen's secretaries, that his mistress was still 
alive, and begged that he would suffer himself to be 
transported to a monument where she was concealed. 

Antony desired to be carried to her, and, on arriving 
before the monument he found all the entrances closed, 
and he was pulled up by Cleopatra and her women into 
one of the windows. Having gained her chamber, he 
expired in her presence. The queen survived him 
long enough to baffle and deceive the victorious 
Augustus ; but finally, seeing that it was his determi- 
nation to have her exposed to the humiliation of walk- 
ing in his triumphal procession at Rome, she resolved 
to disappoint him, and accordingly put an end to 
her own life, by applying to herself poisonous serpents, 
called asps. 

Thus ended the criminal passion of Antony, and 
from this we may derive a very useful lesson on the 
importance of being governed by a principle of recti- 
tude in all our actions. Punishment, though tardy, 
overtakes the guilty at last. 




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AUGUSTUS. 

I HE fate of the Roman republic was 
decided at the battle of Actium, and 
Augustus was now master of the 
Roman Empire. He was more careful 
to obtain and preserve the friendship 
of his subjects than his predecessor, 
Caesar, had been. He was much honoured and re- 
spected at Rome : the title of Imperator was conferred 
on him for life ; and the people degraded themselves 
by erecting temples and altars, at which they might 
worship " the divine Augustus," as they styled him. 
He did all in his power to keep. up the delusion, and 
made many concessions to his people, thus concealing 
his design of forming an absolute monarchy. After 
having corrected some of the laws, and established the 
various departments of the state to his satisfaction, he 
attempted to make the people believe that he wished 
to resign his power, and return to his former rank. 
But before doing so, he requested the advice of Mar- 
cus Agrippa and Mecaenas. The latter frankly ad- 
vised him to follow his inclination ; but Agrippa, better 
acquainted with the true character of Augustus, and 
rightly conjecturing that he only affected to be desirous 
of resigning his power, assured him that the prosperi- 
ty and happiness of the state depended on his con- 
tinuing to direct its affairs. Augustus had oply pre- 
tended to be fatigued with the cares of office, and 

(121) 



122 ROMAN STORIES. 

therefore readily concurred with Agrippa, and he 
continued to hold the reins of government. 

This pretended moderation increased the popularity 
of Augustus. He was appointed to the office of cen- 
sor, and, under that character, made many laws and 
improvements, which contributed much to the exten- 
sion of his powers. By the advice of Mecaenas, he 
gave liberal encouragement to learning. Virgil is said 
to have written his iEneid at the desire of Augustus, 
whom he represents under the amiable and perfect 
character of JEneas. He also established new laws 
for the punishment of crimes, which the recent disor- 
ders had tended to multiply. During his reign he 
restored peace to the whole w T orld, and the temple of 
Janus, which was always open in time of war, was 
now shut. The temple had not been closed for one 
hundred and eighty years, and this event occasioned 
universal joy. He conducted himself so well, that 
the infatuated Romans now believed themselves a free 
people, since they had no longer to fight in defence of 
their liberty. When we compare the previous con- 
duct of Augustus, with his moderation and justice 
as emperor of Rome, we are astonished at the dif- 
ference. It was said of him, in the early part of his 
history, that, " it were better he had never been 
born," and yet he conferred many blessings upon the 
Romans. He was a great friend of learning, and 
was himself much distinguished for his wisdom ; he 
wrote several poetical pieces, besides memoirs of his 
life, and other works now lost. Our Saviour was 
born during this reign. Augustus died in A. D. 9, at 
Nola, in the 76th year of his age, and the 41st of his 
reign. 




(123) 




(136) 




TIBERIUS. — CALIGULA. — CLAUDIUS. 

jPON the death of Augustus, Tiberius 
became emperor of Rome. His reign is 
distinguished by the crucifixion, resur- 
rection, and ascension of our Saviour, 
(A. D. 29). The history of Christ may be 
found explained in the New Testament. 
This Tiberius was a cruel tyrant, 
and rendered himself odious to the Romans by his 
numberless crimes. Sejanus was his favourite, but 
the emperor, finding he aimed at the supreme power, 
soon made away with him. He was strangled, and 
all his family were executed. Such was the end of 
this miserable man. But his crimes well deserved all 
the punishment he received. Tiberius, freed from all 
apprehensions, abandoned the cares of office, and, 
retiring to the delightful island of Capreae, gave him- 
self up to voluptuousness, regardless of the miseries 
of his subjects. He spent a hundred pounds for a 
single dish, and thus lavished the public money to 
gratify his intemperance. Such was the luxury of 
the emperors! Surely, Rome was sadly fallen from 
her greatness in those days of moderation and sim- 
plicity, when Cincinnatus left his plough to govern 
her councils, and Regulus quitted his farm to fight 
her battles ! 

At length, Tiberius was taken ill, and, surviving 
longer than Caligula expected, was smothered. Thus 

(127) 



128 ROMAN STORIES. 

died this cruel tyrant, who had often been heard to 
say that " he wished Heaven and earth might perish 
with him when he died." He was the third emperor 
from Julius Caesar. 

Caligula succeeded him. For some time, the em- 
peror conducted himself very properly ; but who 
know T s how man may abuse power when unlimited by 
human laws? At first, said he, " I have done nothing 
wrong to cause men to hate me, and therefore I do 
not fear their enmity." But soon he became odious : 
he pretended to be a god, sometimes styling himself 
Jupiter, and sometimes Mars. He built temples and 
appointed priests, who made sacrifices to him. He 
even appointed his horse to the priestly office; though, 
indeed, such a priest w r as very appropriate for such a 
divinity. He was at last murdered, and the assassin, 
when giving the blow, cried, " Tyrant, think upon 
this -!" He was only twenty-nine years old ! How short 
his life ! how long the catalogue of his follies and crimes ! 

Caligula was murdered, A. D. 41. 

He was succeeded by his uncle Claudius, who 
was proclaimed emperor by the army. He commenced 
his reign by an act of pardon for all former words 
and actions, and by annulling the cruel edicts of 
Caligula. This and other acts of clemency rendered 
the commencement of his reign promising. He even 
undertook to gratify the people by foreign conquest. 
He first sent his generals to Britain, the people of 
which island, having been nearly a century left to 
themselves, were now asking the intervention of Rome 
to * quiet their intestine commotions. The Roman 
armies easily overthrew the British forces in several 
engagements. These successes induced Claudius to 




(130) 



CLAUDIUS. 



131 



go to Britain in person, under pretence that the natives 
were still seditious. He staid but sixteen days, 
and, during that time, was more engaged in receiving 
homage than in extending his conquests. Great 
rejoicings were made on his return. The senate 
decreed him a splendid triumph. Triumphal arches 
were erected in his honour, and annual games insti- 
tuted to commemorate his victories. The Britons 
meanwhile were really reduced to subjection by the 
generals Plautius and Vespasian. 

Claudius was particularly unfortunate in his wives. 
His first wife, Messalina, was the most abandoned of 
women, and his second, Agrippina, destroyed him by 
poison. 





NERO. — THE BURNING OF ROME. 

A. D. 55. 

ERO was the adopted son of Claudius, 
and, on his death, succeeded him in 
place of Britannicus, his natural son. 
He inherited all the evil dispositions of 
his adopted father, and all the cruelty 
of his mother, but at first did not allow 
his real character to become apparent by 
his actions. Once, when required to sign a death-war- 
rant for the execution of a criminal, he cried, " Would 
to heaven I had never learned to write !" But his real 
disposition soon showed itself. 

The execution of his mother, Agrippina, was among 
the first of his great crimes. Not succeeding in his 
horrid attempt of drowning her, he procured some 
assassins who killed her in her own palace ; and Nero, 
on beholding her corpse, said, "He never thought his 
mother so handsome a woman," thus showing how 
little he was affected by the spectacle. Who but a 
most hardened wretch could behold his own mother 
a victim of his own hands without relenting ? He also 
caused his brother to be poisoned. Such a monster 
was Nero ! 

He, it is said, set Rome on fire, merely to witness 
the distress it would occasion among the citizens. All 
the time that the flames were raging in the city, he 
sat quietly on a tower, enjoying the scene, and playing 
upon a harp, while he sang verses from the descrip- 

(132) 




(133) 



NERO. THE BURNING OF ROME. 135 

tion of the burning of Troy, He permitted none to 
extinguish the flames ; and commanded many of his 
creatures to set the houses on fire in various parts of 
the city — and when all was done, he threw the blame 
upon the Christians, the followers of Christ. A most 
horrible persecution of these innocent people now 
commenced. Some were clothed in the skins of wild 
beasts, and thus devoured by dogs. Some were cruci- 
fied, and others burnt alive — and all this at the insti- 
gation of Nero — of a wretch who delighted in the 
sacrifice of human blood — one who compelled the 
knights to fight as gladiators for his amusement. 

The tyranny of this monster at length found an 
end. Vindex, an illustrious Gaul, excited his country- 
men to revolt. He offered the empire to Galba, then 
governor of Spain, who took upon himself the title 
of Lieutenant of the Senate and the Roman People. 
The provinces declared in his favour. Rome was 
divided, and at length the party of Vindex prevailed. 
Nero, abandoned by his guards, was obliged to conceal 
himself in the house of one of his freedmen. He was 
proclaimed an enemy to his country by the senate, 
and was condemned to die as such. He was to be 
scourged, thrown from the Tarpeian Rock, and then 
flung headlong into the Tiber. Unable to bear the 
thoughts of such a death, Nero tried the points of two 
daggers, but wanted courage to die by his own hand. 
He entreated the aid of one of his slaves, who was 
not slow in the performance of that friendly office, and 
the tyrant was in this manner put to death in the 
thirtieth year of his age. Could any punishment be 
too severe for such a wretch? His cruelties have 
scarcely any parallel in the annals of history. 



VESPASIAN. — TITUS. — DOMITIAN. 




ESP ASIAN was the tenth emperor 
of the Romans. He lived usefully 
and virtuously, and died calmly, stand- 
ing on his feet; "for," said he, "an 
emperor ought so to die." 

Titus, his son, succeeded him. This 
emperor was worthy of being called 
rus son. Having passed a day without performing any 
service for his fellow-creatures, he was heard to ex- 
claim, u I have lost a day I" This lamentation was 
worthy of a virtuous and conscientious man. Every 
day is truly lost, and lost for ever, in which we do no 
good to mankind. God, in giving us such various 
talents as we are endowed with, meant that we should 
employ them for the benefit of mankind. We shall 
one day have to give an account of the manner in 
which we have employed our talents. How carefully, 
and with what circumspection, ought we to watch 
ourselves ! 

Upon the death of Titus, Domitian succeeded to the 
throne. Agricola, who was making progress in Bri- 
tain, was recalled, and it is said was assassinated by 
the emperor's command. It is also recorded that he 
caused the death of Titus, his brother. The charac- 
ter of Domitian differed essentially from that of 
Titus : he persecuted the Christians, and was cruel, 
hypocritical, and perfidious. He once invited a large 

(136) 



DOMITIAN. 137 

party as for an entertainment, and had them ushered 
into a room hung with black, with light just sufficient 
to disclose the horrors of the scene. Black coffins, 
each having the names of one of the guests inscribed 
on it, were arranged around; and hideous-looking 
men, bearing torches and naked swords, rushed into 
the apartment. The guests, well knowing the cruel 
disposition of the emperor, of course expected instant 
death, and were struck with horror and dismay. 
Domitian having enjoyed their terror, and satisfied 
with the wicked pleasure of beholding his fellow-crea- 
tures in misery, dismissed his terrified guests. How 
severe must have been their mental suffering ! Domi- 
tian 's name is recorded in history, not for his virtues, 
but for being an emperor. For what else is he noted ? 
— For his vices ! How is he remembered ? — With 
detestation ! 





THE FIVE GOOD EMPERORS, NERVA, TRAJAN, 
. ADRIAN, ANTONINUS AND AURELIUS. 

FTER the death of Domitian, the 
senate elected Nerva emperor. He 
was a man well calculated for the 
empire at this juncture of affairs; 
and, during his short but happy and 
useful reign, he succeeded in render- 
ing the Romans a prosperous people. No opportuni- 
ties were presented to him of performing brilliant 
military services, but what he did was done well. He 
only survived his election twelve months, and then died 
of a fever. 

Nerva, before his death, chose Trajan to succeed 
him ; and this choice was perhaps one of the greatest 
benefits he conferred upon Rome. Trajan was great 
as a general, wise as a sovereign, and good as a man. 
His good character was manifested in all his actions: 
once, when presenting a sword to an officer, he said, 
"If I do well, use this sword for me; if I do ill, use 
this sword against me." He also stopped the persecu- 
tion of the Christians, when he learned how peacefully 
they conducted themselves. Trajan was much honour- 
ed bv the Romans, and when he died was regretted 
by all. (A. D. 117.) 

Adrian, the next emperor, was of Spanish descent. 

(138) 



THE FIVE GOOD EMPERORS. 139 

The Roman Empire was now at its greatest height. 
Adrian visited Germany, Gaul, Holland, Spain, and 
Britain, making wise laws wherever he went, so 
that all felt well satisfied with him as their ruler. 
He erected the wall between England and Scotland, 
to prevent the Picts and other northern barbarians 
from molesting the Britons — parts of this wall may be 
seen at the present day. Having effected many similar 
improvements, he died, after a painful illness, A. D. 138. 
Being ignorant of the blessed hopes inspired by the 
Christian religion, he knew nothing of a future state 
of rewards and punishments; and when on the point 
of expiring, uttered some lines expressive of the utter 
uncertainty and hopelessness of the dying heathen, as 
to the future destiny of his soul. 

Antoninus Pius succeeded him. It was a favourite 
saying with this emperor, that " he had more pleasure 
in saving the life of one citizen, than in destroying the 
lives of a thousand enemies." He proved by his con- 
duct that nations possess more happiness and virtue in 
a period of tranquillity, than in war. Defensive war 
is necessary and honourable; we ought to fight to 
protect our rights and our liberty ; but to fight merely 
for glory and renown is never necessary, and seldom 
honourable. This good emperor died, A. D. 161. 

His son-in-law, Marcus Aurelius, became emperor. 
This man was so learned that he is called the Philoso- 
pher, and he wrote an excellent work, entitled, 
" Meditations," which reflects great credit upon him, 
for his wisdom and intelligence. Rather than burden 
his subjects by new and heavy taxes for a warlike 
expedition, he sold all his plate and jewels. He died at 
Vienna, A. D. 180, after a most glorious reign of nine- 
teen vears. 




DECLINE AND FALL OF THE EMPIRE. 

|OU have already been told that in the 
reign of Antoninus the empire was in 
its most flourishing condition. From 
that period the Romans began to de- 
cline in power and prosperity. Com- 
K modus, who was a worthless emperor, 
was followed by many others equally so. The history 
of Pertinax, his successor, has some interest to excite 
our attention. He was the son of a slave, and kept 
first a small shop, and then a school ; next he studied 
the law, and finally became a soldier. Having ren- 
dered many services to his country in that capacity, 
he was made consul, but was soon banished by Corn- 
modus. Being recalled and sent to Britain, he was 
wounded in a battle, and was left for dead on the 
field. Again his life was in extreme peril in Africa. 
On returning to Rome, he was fixed upon by the sol- 
diers as their sovereign. This history, although here 
given in a few words, might furnish materials for a 
long and interesting story. In three months he was 
killed by the people who elected him, and thus termi- 
nated his career. (A. D. 192.) 

About this time the Goths came into notice. Four- 
teen hundred years before Christ, a barbarous people, 
called Goths or Scythians, came from the north, and 
overran many countries in Europe. These must be 
carefully distinguished from the Celts. The latter are 

• (140) 



DECLINE AND FALL OF ROME. 141 

said to have come from the neighbourhood of the 
Pyrenees, which, you know, separate Spain from 
Gaul. About the year B. C. 500, the Goths drove the 
Celts into Gaul, where Csesar found them. The Celts 
are the original inhabitants of Scotland, Ireland, and 
Wales ; and are remarkable for their Druids, who 
were both priests and governors, while the Goths had 
no Druids. The two languages also differed ; and, in 
short, they were two distinct nations ; and the Huns, 
another barbarous people of that period, came origin- 
ally from Tartary. 

As Rome became weakened, the barbarians began 
to assert their rights, and to throw off the Roman 
yoke. The German tribes frequently revolted, as did 
also the Goths and Britons. Above all, the Goths 
were perpetually rushing down in vast swarms upon 
some province or other of this extended empire. 

We pass now to the reign of Diocletian, A. D. 
284. The Christian religion, in spite of persecution, 
was rapidly gaining ground; and the Roman empire, 
having become too large to exist as one government, 
w 7 as gradually getting weaker, and tottering to its 
fall. 

Diocletian, finding the government of such an un- 
wieldly fabric as the Roman empire becoming too bur- 
densome for him, selected Maximian for his associate. 
Rome was now encompassed on all sides by enemies, 
and it required all their efforts to oppose them suc- 
cessfully. And here we come to notice an act which 
seldom occurs in history. Both Diocletian and his part- 
ner in the empire, Maximian, resigned all their dignties, 
and Diocletian thenceforth lived in peaceful retire- 
ment, cultivating his garden, and finding more happi- 



142 ROMAN STORIES. 

ness in this humble occupation, than in the elevated 
office of emperor. His associate endeavoured to 
regain his authority, but could not succeed. Who 
does not admire the conduct of Diocletian? He re- 
signed all the honours this world could confer upon 
him, that he might live in solitude and retirement. 

We have another and nobler instance of this volun- 
tary relinquishment of power, in the immortal Wash- 
ington, the " Father of our Country !" 

Upon the resignation of Diocletian, Constantius and 
Galerius became joint emperors. Constantius, how- 
ever, soon died, and appointed Constantine, his son, as 
his successor. (A. D. 306.) The other emperor tried 
to prevent Constantine from ascending the throne, but 
he was taken ill, and the disease proved fatal. Thus, 
death blasted all his hopes of future greatness. Con- 
stantine became sole emperor; and, by his good quali- 
ties and heroic actions, has merited the title of " The 
Great," perhaps, more than Alexander of Macedon ; 
for that king disgraced himself on several occasions by 
very cruel and wicked acts. But you should read his 
history and judge for yourself. 

Constantine manifested great regard for the Chris- 
tian religion. He raised the insulted Christians from 
their persecuted condition, and professed Christianity 
himself. But he did not become so bigoted as 
to massacre all who were unfavourable to his opinion, 
but rather chose to impress a belief in the Gospel by 
his own example, and by employing reason and argu- 
ment to convince them of the absurdity of wor- 
shipping idols and heathen gods, such as Jupiter, Juno, 
and Mars. By doing this, he effectually promoted the 
interests of Christianity. 



DECLINE AND FALL OF ROME. 143 

Having conquered his foreign foes, he applied him- 
self to the reformation of the government, which 
had then become so weak as scarcely to hold the em- 
pire together any longer. He translated the seat of 
the imperial power from Rome to Constantinople. 
The seeds of corruption and dissolution were too 
deeply implanted, and it was only by the exercise of 
despotic power that the union of this immense mass 
was preserved. 

The removal of the court to Constantinople is 
thought to have been the finishing stroke to the down- 
fall of Rome. The empire, from that time, began 
to shake to its very foundation. Having defeated the 
Goths in their first feeble invasions, Constantine divided 
the empire into three parts, giving one to each of his 
sons. Thus, division was added to their other misfor- 
tunes, and Rome was now on the brink of ruin. Con- 
stantine died, after being baptized, A. D. 337. 



The decline and fall of the Roman Empire have 
been ably described in the glowing pages of Gibbon 
and Sismondi. The history of the various conflicts 
and revolutions which followed the death of Constan- 
tine forms one of the most instructive lessons in the 
annals of human affairs. The rapacity and injustice 
of the Romans, through the successive ages of their 
previous history, were punished with terrible retribu- 
tion by Alaric the Goth, Genseric the Vandal, and 
Attila the Hun, surnamed " The Scourge of God." 
Their ravages desolated Italy, nearly exterminated 
the people, and even obliterated their language as a 



144 



ROMAN STORIES. 



living medium of communication. Successive empe- 
rors struggled in vain against almost innumerable 
armies from the " Northern Hive," until in the year 
475, twelve hundred and twenty-eight years after the 
foundation of Rome, the last of the Western emperors, 
Romulus Augustulus, voluntarily abandoned the im- 
perial insignia, and thus terminated the Roman Empire 
of the West. 

The Empire of the East survived a thousand years 
longer, notwithstanding its fierce internal dissensions, 
which alone would have sufficed to destroy any other 
and the hosts of barbarians by which it was assailed. 
At length, on the 29th of May, 1453, Constantinople 
was taken by Mohammed II., and the government and 
religion established by the great Constantine were 
trampled in the dust by the Moslem conquerors. 




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